The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has stepped back from a legislative proposal that sought to impose mandatory voting on Nigerians.
The withdrawal followed an outpouring of criticism from legal experts, rights groups, and the wider public.
Initially introduced by Abbas alongside Daniel Ago, the lawmaker representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in Plateau State, the bill aimed to revise the Electoral Act 2022 to compel eligible citizens to vote.
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It passed second reading in the House on 15 May.
Supporters of the bill argued that compulsory voting would boost democratic participation, limit electoral fraud, and discourage vote trading.
Ago had maintained that making voting a legal obligation would promote a culture of civic responsibility and political awareness.
“Turning voting into a duty, not just a right, would deepen democratic governance and reduce manipulation,” Ago had said during the bill’s debate.
The legislation proposed penalties for non-compliance, including a fine of ₦100,000 or a six-month prison sentence for voters who failed to participate in elections without valid reasons.
However, the bill quickly drew fire from multiple quarters. Civil society organisations and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the proposal as unconstitutional and authoritarian, warning that it infringed on personal freedoms.
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In response to the growing backlash, Abbas on Monday announced the withdrawal of the bill.
His spokesperson, Musa Krishi, issued a statement noting that the Speaker reached the decision after wide-ranging consultations with various stakeholders.
“The intention behind the bill was to enhance voter turnout and promote active citizenship,” the statement explained.
“While countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have seen success with mandatory voting laws, Speaker Abbas recognises that Nigeria’s approach must reflect its unique constitutional and cultural realities.”
Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, noting that participation in elections should be encouraged, not enforced.
He pledged to pursue alternative strategies aimed at improving voter turnout, including public education campaigns, incentives, and reforms to reduce barriers to participation.
“The focus now shifts to developing policies that respect individual choice while making the voting process more appealing and accessible,” the statement added.
With the withdrawal of the bill, the House will take no further action on the proposal, marking a retreat from one of the most contentious electoral reforms introduced in recent sessions.
