Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially withdrawn the proposed bill mandating compulsory voting for all eligible Nigerians, following widespread opposition and consultations with key stakeholders across the country.
The decision comes after intense criticism from civil society organisations, constitutional experts, and members of the public, many of whom described the bill as a threat to civil liberties and democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Monday by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Abbas confirmed the withdrawal, citing “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” as the basis for stepping back from the proposed legislation.
The bill, which Abbas co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, had sought to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting compulsory. It passed second reading in the House on 21 March 2024. Proponents of the bill had presented it as a bold strategy to counter voter apathy and strengthen democratic participation.
“From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions—to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the statement read.
However, the proposal triggered a wave of public backlash, with critics raising concerns over the practicality and legality of compulsory voting in a country grappling with longstanding electoral issues such as security risks, logistical failures, and deep-seated mistrust in the electoral process.
In addressing these concerns, Speaker Abbas noted that while other countries have successfully implemented compulsory voting, Nigeria’s democratic path must take into account its unique circumstances and the voice of its people.
“Compulsory voting has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, with similar practices adopted in Argentina and Singapore,” he stated.
“However, Nigeria must pursue democratic reforms that reflect its unique context and public sentiment.”
He clarified that the bill’s withdrawal should not be interpreted as a retreat from reform but as a shift toward more inclusive and consultative approaches to electoral participation.
“This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens,” the statement added.
The move has been welcomed by several advocacy groups and legal experts, who had warned that enforcing mandatory voting could lead to legal complications and alienate voters. Many are now calling on lawmakers to focus on electoral reforms that build trust, improve access, and guarantee safety and transparency at the polls.
