Abuja, Nigeria – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has formally withdrawn a controversial bill seeking to criminalise voter abstention during general elections, following widespread backlash from citizens and stakeholders across the country.
The bill, which proposed a fine of up to ₦100,000 or a prison term of up to six months for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections, was co-sponsored by Abbas and Rep. Daniel Asama Ago. It had successfully passed second reading in the House on May 20 before drawing sharp criticism from civil society groups, legal experts, and members of the public.
In a statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the withdrawal was described as the result of “extensive consultations” and in recognition of the need to align legislation with public sentiment and constitutional rights.
“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. It cited global examples of compulsory voting in countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and Singapore, which have achieved voter turnout rates above 90 percent.
However, the Speaker acknowledged that “lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves” and emphasized the need for any reform to respect individual freedoms. “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,” the statement said.
The proposed amendment to Section 46 of the Electoral Act would have made voting mandatory for all registered citizens aged 18 and above during national and state elections. The clause stated that failure to vote would constitute an offence punishable by fine or imprisonment.
With the bill now withdrawn, the Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and said further dialogue would be pursued to encourage voluntary voter participation. “This withdrawal will allow for time to 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.
The development marks a significant policy reversal and underscores the role of public engagement in shaping Nigeria’s legislative direction.
