Reps Walk Out Over Bid to Reverse Electronic Transmission Clause in Electoral Act Amendment

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives staged a walkout on Tuesday following a heated dispute over the proposed reversal of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Tensions rose after Francis Waive, chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, introduced a motion seeking to rescind the passage of the bill, which was approved on December 23, 2025.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote. Although the “nays” appeared louder in the chamber, he ruled in favour of the “ayes,” prompting immediate objections from several members.

In response to the growing dissent, Abbas called for an executive session. The closed-door meeting, however, failed to ease tensions, and proceedings resumed amid renewed disorder.

The protest centred on Clause 60(3) of the bill, which mandates the compulsory electronic transmission of election results. Lawmakers opposed to the reversal stood in protest and prevented Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu from continuing with the day’s business.

The standoff culminated in a walkout by aggrieved members, leaving the plenary in disarray.

Further updates are expected as the situation develops.