Amid widespread public criticism, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the controversial bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
The announcement came via a statement issued on Monday, May 26, 2025, by his media office. The statement, signed by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, said the withdrawal followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.”
According to the Speaker, the move was a deliberate step back to allow for “a deeper national dialogue on how best to foster a culture of voluntary voter participation that aligns with democratic values and respects citizens’ rights.”
“Effective lawmaking must reflect the will of the people and uphold individual freedoms,” Speaker Abbas said. “Rather than compel participation, I’m committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.”
The bill, co-sponsored by Hon. Daniel Adama Ago, had proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 aimed at enforcing mandatory voting and election participation as a means of boosting civic responsibility and increasing voter turnout.
In defending the original intent, Abbas noted that countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have implemented compulsory voting laws with significant success, maintaining voter participation rates above 90 percent. He also cited Argentina and Singapore as examples.
“Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil,” he stated. “However, Nigeria’s democratic journey requires tailored solutions that prioritize choice and empowerment.”
The Speaker’s withdrawal of the bill marks a significant policy reversal and underscores the growing influence of public opinion in shaping legislative priorities in the 10th National Assembly.
