Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians. The move comes in response to widespread public criticism and extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.
The bill, co-sponsored by Abbas and Hon. Daniel Adama Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in Plateau State, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 by introducing mandatory voting. It proposed penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a fine of ₦100,000 for eligible voters who fail to participate in national and state elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker explained that the intention behind the bill was to tackle the persistent issue of low voter turnout in Nigeria’s elections.
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, wishes to inform the public that, following extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, he has decided to withdraw the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians,” the statement read.
Abbas noted that while compulsory voting has proven effective in countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and Singapore—helping to achieve voter turnout rates above 90%—he recognizes that any legislative reform must align with the values and freedoms of the Nigerian people.
“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves,” the statement added. “Any reform must respect individual freedoms and reflect public sentiment.”
The Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening democratic participation through alternative, non-coercive strategies. He emphasized the need for positive incentives and innovative approaches that would make voting more appealing and accessible to citizens.
With the bill now withdrawn, Abbas said the focus will shift to fostering a culture of voluntary civic engagement that respects democratic ideals and individual rights.
