Speaker Abbas Withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill Proposal
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn the controversial bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians. The bill, which aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022, had sparked intense national debate and legal opposition since it passed second reading in mid-May.
The withdrawal was announced on Monday, May 26, 2025, through a statement by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi. The statement cited “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” as the main reason behind the move.
The bill, co-sponsored by Abbas and Hon. Daniel Adama Ago, was designed to increase voter turnout by making electoral participation mandatory. Advocates of the bill pointed to countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and Singapore, where compulsory voting has led to voter participation rates exceeding 90 percent. Supporters argued that similar legislation in Nigeria could help combat voter apathy and deepen democratic engagement.
However, the bill quickly became one of the most contentious legislative proposals of 2025. Legal experts, civil rights advocates, and concerned citizens raised constitutional and ethical objections. Prominent human rights lawyer Remi Falana strongly opposed the bill, calling it “unconstitutional and undemocratic.” He emphasized that forcing citizens to vote infringes on their rights to freedom of choice and association.
Opposition also came from various segments of civil society who argued that mandatory voting would be difficult to enforce in Nigeria’s complex political environment. Others expressed concerns over potential penalties for non-compliance and whether the government had the infrastructure to support such a sweeping electoral reform.
In the statement, Speaker Abbas acknowledged these concerns and reiterated his respect for public opinion and the fundamental rights of Nigerians. He stated:
“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.”
Abbas clarified that the bill’s intention was never to suppress freedoms but to promote civic responsibility. “Lawmaking is ultimately about the people, and any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment,” he said.
Rather than pushing for mandatory voting, the Speaker indicated a shift in strategy. He promised to pursue “positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.” These could include voter education programs, improving the electoral process, and reducing barriers to participation, especially in remote and underserved communities.
The controversy around the bill has reignited discussions on how to improve Nigeria’s democratic system, especially with voter turnout rates remaining low in recent elections. While the bill’s withdrawal may be seen as a victory for civil liberties, it also underscores the challenges lawmakers face in trying to boost public engagement without infringing on personal freedoms.
As consultations continue, it remains to be seen what new proposals will emerge to tackle the issue of voter apathy in Nigeria. For now, the withdrawal of the compulsory voting bill marks a pause—and possibly a redirection—in the nation’s quest for a more participatory democracy.
RELATED
