Reps Speaker, Abbas, Beats A Retreat, Withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill

Following public criticisms, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday, 26, 2025, beat a tactical retreat as he announced the withdrawal of the obnoxious bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.

The withdrawal, Speaker Abbas noted would create space for deeper national dialogue on how best to foster a culture of voluntary voter participation that aligns with democratic values and respects citizens’ rights.

These were contained in a statement on Monday, May 26, 2025, by the office of the Speaker stating that the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.”

The Speaker said that effective lawmaking must reflect the will of the people and uphold individual freedoms.

The bill which was co-sponsored by Hon. Daniel Adama Ago, with intent to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting and participation in election compulsory.

The statement signed by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, said that the bill was introduced with the goal of boosting civic engagement and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through increased voter turnout.

According to Abbas; “Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil.

“These countries have sustained participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures.

“Rather than compel participation, I’m committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians,” he assured.