Nigerian Speaker Withdraws Controversial Compulsory Voting Bill Amid Public Debate

Abuja, Nigeria- May 26, 2025 

The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the contentious Compulsory Voting Bill, which sought to amend the Electoral Act 2022.  

The decision was announced in a statement on Monday by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. According to Krishi, the withdrawal aims to allow for broader consultations on the bill, which had sparked significant public debate.  

“Following extensive discussions with various stakeholders, the Speaker has chosen to withdraw the bill proposing mandatory voting for all eligible Nigerians, which he co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Adama Ago,” the statement read.  

“This step will provide an opportunity for further dialogue on how to foster a culture of voluntary political participation—one that aligns with our democratic values while respecting citizens’ rights.”  

The bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives in mid-May, had proposed making voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians. Its withdrawal comes after widespread discussions on its potential implications for Nigeria’s electoral system.  

Aaron Isaac, Hicia News