House of Reps Speaker, Abbas, finally withdraws controversial mandatory voting bill
Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has finally withdrawn the controversial Compulsory Voting Bill.
The bill is seeking an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 in order to make it mandatory for every eligible Nigerians to vote during poll.
Several Stakeholders have condemned the bill while others backed the bill in order to address the voters apathy during the general polls.
Abbas announced the bill withdrawal in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
The Speaker explained that the decision was to give room for further dialogue on the bill, which generated controversies.
“Following extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, he has decided to withdraw the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, which he co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Adama Ago.”
"This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens.”Abbas concluded.
