The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians. The bill, co-sponsored by Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce compulsory voting as a strategy to deepen democratic participation.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders across the country. He noted that while the bill was introduced with the best intentions to bolster civic engagement and strengthen democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout, it had sparked significant debate.
The bill had passed its second reading on March 21, 2024, but drew mixed reactions from lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the general public. Proponents argued that compulsory voting would increase turnout, citing successful examples from countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and Singapore, where participation rates often exceed 90 percent.
However, critics raised concerns about the bill’s impact on individual rights and questioned the feasibility of enforcing such a law in Nigeria’s diverse electoral landscape. Speaker Abbas emphasized that democratic reforms must respect individual freedoms and be tailored to Nigeria’s unique context and public sentiment.
Instead of coercion, the Speaker expressed a commitment to exploring alternative, non-compulsory measures that incentivize voter participation, particularly among youth and first-time voters. He stated that the withdrawal would allow for further dialogue on cultivating a culture of voluntary participation that aligns with democratic ideals and citizens’ rights.
The bill’s withdrawal has been welcomed by many Nigerians who called for sustained efforts to address underlying causes of voter apathy, such as electoral violence, lack of trust in the electoral system, and logistical challenges on election days.
