By Daniel Okejeme
Following public outcry, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn a bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerian voters.
The bill, co-sponsored by Mr. Tajudeen and Rep. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 with the goal of increasing voter participation and strengthening democracy.
According to a statement released Monday by his media aide, Mr. Musa Krishi, the decision to withdraw the bill was made after consultations with numerous individuals and groups across the country.
“From the start, the goal was to get more people involved in elections and strengthen democracy by boosting voter turnout,” it said.
Persecondnews reports that the bill had passed its second reading in the House on Thursday, sparking considerable debate.
The bill had generated mixed reactions with some supporting it, believing it would boost voter turnout, while others argued it would infringe on personal freedom and be difficult to enforce in Nigeria’s diverse landscape.
Abbas acknowledged that countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have achieved high voter turnout through compulsory voting. However, he emphasized that Nigeria must develop an approach that is uniquely suited to its populace.
“Lawmaking is about serving the people, and any new law must respect personal freedom,” Abbas said.
Instead of forcing people to vote, he said the government would now look for ways to encourage voting, especially among young people and first-time voters.
“This withdrawal gives us time to talk more about how to build a culture of voluntary voting that supports our democracy and respects citizens’ rights,” he added.
Many Nigerians had spoken against the bill, urging leaders to focus on solving problems like election violence, lack of trust in the system, and poor planning on election days, issues that stop people from voting.
Persecondnews recalls that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had on May 21 condemned the bill, describing it as unconstitutional, draconian, and an affront to civil liberties.
In a statement issued and signed by its President, Mr. Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA argued that the bill violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and undermines democratic principles.
It criticized the proposal as an attempt to criminalise non-participation in a system already beset by electoral violence, systemic flaws, insecurity, and mistrust.
The NBA argued that voter apathy is a symptom, not a cause, and should be addressed through institutional reform, security guarantees, and voter education.
The association warned that passing the bill would set a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door to more government overreach under the guise of reform.
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