26/05/2025
Reps withdraw compulsory voting bill after public outcry
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a bill that sought to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.
The bill, which was co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to introduce compulsory voting as a way to enhance democratic participation in the country.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas explained that the decision to withdraw the bill came after “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” nationwide.
“From the beginning, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions—to promote civic responsibility and strengthen our democracy by increasing voter turnout,” the statement said.
The bill had passed second reading on March 21, 2024, prompting widespread debate among lawmakers, civil society groups, and members of the public. Supporters argued that it could significantly boost voter turnout, while critics raised concerns over its potential infringement on individual freedoms and the difficulty of enforcement in Nigeria’s complex electoral environment.
Speaker Abbas acknowledged that while compulsory voting has succeeded in maintaining high participation rates above 90 percent in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, and is practiced in Argentina and Singapore, Nigeria must adopt reforms that align with its unique context and the will of its people.
“Lawmaking must always prioritize the interests and freedoms of the people it serves,” he stated.
Rather than imposing voting by law, Speaker Abbas pledged to focus on alternative approaches that encourage voluntary participation, particularly targeting youth and first-time voters.
The bill’s withdrawal followed mixed reactions from the public, with many Nigerians urging the government to address the deeper causes of voter apathy such as electoral
