The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to make voting mandatory for eligible Nigerians, following widespread public opposition.

The bill, which he co-sponsored with Rep. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce compulsory voting as a strategy to deepen democratic participation. It passed second reading in the House on March 21, 2024, but drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, legal experts, and the general public.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas said the decision to withdraw the bill was made after “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 supporters of the bill argued it would improve electoral participation, critics questioned its enforceability and raised concerns about potential violations of individual rights in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.

Speaker Abbas acknowledged international precedents, citing countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil—where compulsory voting has led to turnout rates exceeding 90 percent. However, he stressed that any electoral reform in Nigeria must reflect the nation’s unique socio-political realities and public sentiment.

“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” he stated.

He added that the focus would now shift toward non-coercive strategies aimed at boosting voter engagement, particularly 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 statement concluded.