Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians. The bill, co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 as part of broader efforts to deepen democratic participation through mandatory civic engagement.

In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas said the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” across the country.

“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.

The proposed legislation, which had passed second reading on March 21, 2024, ignited widespread debate among lawmakers, civil society groups, and the public. While supporters believed the measure would significantly increase voter turnout, critics questioned its practicality and raised concerns about infringing on individual rights.

Citing international examples, Abbas noted that countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have sustained voter participation rates above 90% through compulsory voting, with similar models in Argentina and Singapore. However, he stressed that democratic reforms in Nigeria must align with local realities and reflect public sentiment.

“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” he said.

Instead of enforcing voter participation through legislation, the Speaker said he would support alternative strategies that encourage voluntary voting—particularly among young and first-time voters.

“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 concluded.