The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a controversial bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce mandatory voting as a strategy to deepen democratic participation. The bill passed second reading in the House on March 21, 2024, triggering widespread debate among lawmakers, civil society organisations, and the public.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas explained that 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.
While proponents of the bill cited its potential to significantly boost participation in elections—drawing parallels with countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil where voter turnout exceeds 90%—critics raised red flags. Concerns ranged from the infringement of individual rights to the practical challenges of enforcing such a policy in Nigeria’s diverse and often volatile electoral environment.
Acknowledging these concerns, Speaker Abbas stressed that democratic reforms must reflect the nation’s unique context and respect the rights of its citizens.
“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” he said.
He further noted that instead of enforcing voting through legislation, attention should shift to non-coercive strategies that encourage participation, especially 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 Speaker added.
The bill had drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many urging the government to address deeper issues behind voter apathy—such as electoral violence, logistical challenges, and widespread distrust in the political process—rather than resorting to compulsion.
Comments