BREAKING: Speaker Abbas Tajudeen Withdraws Controversial Compulsory Voting Bill

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the controversial Compulsory Voting Bill following widespread criticism and mounting public pressure.

The bill, which proposed to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerian citizens, had triggered intense debate across the country regarding its implications for civil liberties and democratic principles.

Many Nigerians, including legal experts, civil society organizations, and lawmakers, opposed the bill, arguing that participation in elections should remain a civic right rather than a legal obligation.

Concerns were raised about the bill’s potential to infringe on individual freedoms, its enforceability, and the absence of adequate public consultation before its introduction.

In a statement issued on Monday, Speaker Abbas explained that the decision to withdraw the bill was informed by public sentiment and the need for a more inclusive approach to electoral reform.

He noted that while the intention was to strengthen democratic participation, it had become clear that encouraging voter engagement must be achieved through education and trust-building rather than compulsion.

The withdrawal of the bill is being seen as a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic process. It signals a shift in focus toward non-coercive measures aimed at improving voter turnout, such as voter education campaigns and institutional reforms. Political observers and stakeholders are calling for increased collaboration between the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society to promote voluntary and informed participation in the electoral process.