Speaker Abbas Withdraws Bill to Make Voting Mandatory in Nigeria: Here’s What It Means for Democracy

 

In a significant turn of events that could reshape Nigeria's approach to democratic participation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerian citizens.

This move, announced on Monday, May 26, by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, follows what was described as “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.”

The now-withdrawn bill had aimed to mandate voting for all Nigerians aged 18 and above during national and state elections. If passed into law, it would have transformed voting from a civic right into a legal duty, aligning Nigeria with a handful of countries that have implemented compulsory voting laws.

Why the Bill Was Proposed in the First Place

According to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the proposal to amend the Electoral Act, 2022 came from a place of genuine democratic concern. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has struggled with low voter turnout in successive elections. In the 2023 general elections, voter turnout was estimated at just 27%, one of the lowest in the country’s history. This has raised alarm bells among political analysts, electoral observers, and civil society groups alike.

Abbas emphasized that the proposed bill was intended to "bolster civic engagement" and "strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout."

“Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box,” the Speaker’s spokesperson explained.

By highlighting global examples, the Speaker hoped to spark a national conversation on how to revive civic responsibility and make Nigerians more active in the democratic process.

The Power of the People and Respect for Rights

Despite the Speaker’s good intentions, the bill faced pushback from multiple quarters, including civil rights organizations, legal experts, political commentators, and ordinary Nigerians. Critics argued that while voter apathy is indeed a problem, forcing citizens to vote could infringe on their fundamental rights, especially freedom of choice.

Understanding the growing public concern and after extensive consultations, Abbas chose to withdraw the bill in order to respect the will of the people.

“Nevertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment,” said Musa Krishi.

This decision reflects an important democratic principle: that governance must not only represent the people but also listen to them. In a pluralistic society like Nigeria, where views and values are diverse, any law that affects civil liberties must be carefully debated and justified.

Shifting Gears: From Compulsion to Incentive

Speaker Abbas also stated his continued commitment to electoral reform. While the idea of making voting compulsory has been shelved, he is now turning to alternative methods of increasing voter participation.

“Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians,” said Krishi.

This pivot could lead to new electoral strategies that encourage turnout without infringing on rights. Some proposed ideas from other democracies include:

• Offering tax rebates or other financial incentives to voters.

• Implementing online voting options for better accessibility.

• Launching civic education programs targeting the youth.

• Expanding voter registration centers in rural communities.

• Increasing transparency and trust in the electoral process.

By focusing on voluntary participation, Abbas is aligning with the broader democratic trend of empowering citizens rather than coercing them.

“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,” Krishi added.

Background: What the Bill Contained

Before its withdrawal, the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 had already passed the second reading in the House of Representatives. It specifically sought to make voting compulsory in all national and state elections for citizens aged 18 years and above.

Supporters of the bill had hoped that it would be a game-changer, particularly in light of declining electoral engagement. However, as the bill moved through legislative procedures, it became clear that bipartisan consensus and public buy-in were lacking.

The Nigerian Constitution recognizes voting as a right, not a duty. Changing this dynamic would have required not just legislative amendment but also potentially constitutional review, which is a much heavier political lift.

Reactions from the Public and Civil Society

The decision to withdraw the bill has been met with mixed reactions. Many Nigerians have praised Abbas for listening to the voice of the people.

“Democracy is not just about casting votes, it’s about freedom — including the freedom to choose not to vote,” said Ngozi Obieze, a lawyer and civil rights advocate based in Abuja.

However, others say the Speaker should not entirely abandon the fight against voter apathy.

“Instead of scrapping the bill completely, why not turn it into a national consultation process where Nigerians can vote on possible reforms?” asked Usman Ibrahim, a political analyst.

On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, the conversation is equally vibrant, with trending hashtags such as #VotingRights, #ElectoralReform, and #AbbasElectoralBill dominating timelines.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Democracy

This episode is more than just a withdrawn bill — it’s a case study in how democracy should work. A leader proposes a policy, the public responds, and the leader listens. That feedback loop is essential for building a strong and inclusive democracy.

The issue of low voter turnout still remains. But with the Speaker’s new direction towards incentive-based participation, Nigeria may find more effective and democratic ways to address the challenge.

Moreover, the conversation around electoral reform in Nigeria is far from over. Issues such as electronic voting, diaspora voting, INEC independence, and electoral violence are all part of the broader puzzle. As 2027 approaches, political leaders, civil society, and the public must come together to ensure a voting system that is credible, accessible, and inspiring.

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Conclusion: A Democratic Reset, Not a Retreat

The decision by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to withdraw the bill that sought to make voting mandatory is a powerful reminder of the importance of public engagement in governance. While the bill may be gone, the conversation it sparked remains alive.

This is an opportunity for Nigerians to reimagine how they participate in democracy. Whether through community organizing, voter education, or peaceful advocacy, democracy thrives when citizens are informed, empowered, and heard.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush for more in-depth analysis, political news, and updates on electoral reforms that affect you.