The House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn a bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
Co-sponsored by Daniel Asama Ago, the bill aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 with the intention of increasing voter participation and strengthening democracy.
In a statement on Monday, his media aide, Musa Krishi, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with individuals and groups across the country.
“The objective from the outset was to boost electoral participation and enhance democratic governance by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the statement said.
The bill had passed its second reading last Thursday but generated significant debate. Supporters believed compulsory voting would improve turnout, while critics argued it infringed on personal freedoms and would be difficult to enforce in Nigeria’s diverse society.
Abbas acknowledged that countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil enjoy high voter turnout due to compulsory voting but emphasised that Nigeria must develop a system suited to its unique circumstances.
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“Lawmaking must serve the people and uphold personal liberties,” he said.
Instead of mandating voting, the government will now focus on encouraging participation, particularly among young and first-time voters.
“This withdrawal provides an opportunity to discuss how to cultivate a culture of voluntary voting that strengthens democracy while respecting citizens’ rights,” Abbas added.
Many Nigerians opposed the bill, urging leaders to address fundamental challenges such as electoral violence, distrust in the system, and inadequate election planning, which they say deter voter participation.
