By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE PUSH to make voting a legal duty in Nigeria has been halted, following intense criticism from civil society groups, legal experts, and members of the public.
A bill championed by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and co-sponsored by Daniel Asama Ago of Plateau State, has now been officially withdrawn.
Initially advanced as an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, the bill proposed making voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians, prescribing penalties including a six-month jail term or a fine of ₦100,000 for non-compliance.
It passed second reading in the House on May 15, stirring a heated national debate over the boundaries of civic duty and constitutional rights.
Daniel Ago, who led the debate on the floor of the House, had argued that compulsory voting would combat low voter turnout, enhance representation, and strengthen democratic institutions.
He pointed to models in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where mandatory voting laws have contributed to participation rates exceeding 90 percent.
Despite these international precedents, the proposal encountered staunch opposition.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) labelled the bill “regressive” and inconsistent with the constitution, while a wide range of civil society organisations condemned the coercive approach, urging the National Assembly to prioritise voter education and electoral reform instead.
In a statement released by his media adviser, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas acknowledged that the original intent of the bill was to promote civic engagement and fortify democracy.
However, after “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders”, he opted to withdraw the bill.
Abbas noted that while compulsory voting has worked in other democracies, lawmaking in Nigeria must be guided by national realities, public sentiment, and respect for individual freedoms.
He affirmed a renewed commitment to exploring incentive-based strategies that encourage electoral participation without infringing on personal liberty.
With the bill now withdrawn, no further legislative steps will be taken on the matter, and the House is expected to pivot towards alternative reforms aimed at increasing voluntary voter turnout.
A good market needs no adverts. If politicians are responsible and accountable to the people, naturally they would be motivated to vote joyfully.
Thanks
Exactly. Why would anyone even moot the idea of forceful voting if he’s smart. It shows he lacks the knowledge of citizens fundamental rights. Thanks, Prince Olas.