The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has announced the withdrawal of a controversial bill seeking to make voting mandatory for all eligible citizens. The bill, which had already passed second reading, was co-sponsored by Tajudeen and Daniel Ago, representing Bassa/Jos North.
In a statement, Tajudeen said the proposal was born out of a desire to strengthen civic engagement and boost voter turnout, citing successful models in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil. However, he acknowledged widespread concerns and affirmed that lawmaking must respect individual freedoms.
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Prominent legal voices including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba and Femi Falana, criticised the bill, calling it unconstitutional. Falana specifically cited sections of the Nigerian Constitution that protect citizens’ freedom of thought, privacy, and conscience.
Speaker Tajudeen now says future efforts will focus on voluntary participation through positive incentives and reforms aimed at making voting more accessible and attractive, rather than compulsory.
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