Abuja, Nigeria – May 26, 2025 | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has officially withdrawn the bill seeking to make voting mandatory in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Abbas and Hon. Daniel Ago (Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Plateau State), aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to compel Nigerians to vote during elections. The bill passed its second reading on May 15, sparking widespread debate on its implications for voter participation and civic rights.
During the debate, Ago argued that mandatory voting would address the issue of low voter turnout, increase civic engagement, and transform voting from a personal choice into a legal obligation. He also suggested that the bill could help reduce voter apathy, curb vote buying, and foster a more politically conscious society.
However, Speaker Abbas has now withdrawn the bill. As of the time of this report, no official reason for the withdrawal has been provided.
