Breaking: Chaos in House of Reps as Lawmakers Clash Over Plan to Cancel Electoral Bill
- Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, moved a motion seeking to reverse the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed in December 2025
- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, ruled in favour of the motion through a voice vote, triggering protests and heated exchanges on the floor
- Members of the House of Representatives engaged in rowdy arguments that forced the Speaker to order a closed-door executive session
FCT, Abuja - A tense and chaotic scene unfolded on Tuesday, February 17, in the House of Representatives following a motion seeking to reverse the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, triggering sharp disagreements among lawmakers during plenary.
The motion was introduced by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, who urged the Green Chamber to rescind its earlier approval of the amendment bill passed on December 23, 2025.
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Amendment targets real-time transmission of results
The contentious bill had provided for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), a reform widely regarded as a major step towards improving transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Supporters of the provision argue that it strengthens public confidence in elections, while critics have raised concerns about its implementation and legal implications, Daily Trust reported.
Dispute erupts over voice vote ruling
Tensions escalated when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas subjected the motion to a voice vote. Although many lawmakers believed the opposition voices were louder than those in support, the Speaker ruled in favour of the motion.
The ruling immediately sparked loud protests across the chamber, with several members shouting objections and demanding a clearer and more transparent determination of the vote.
Heated exchanges disrupt plenary
As tempers flared, lawmakers exchanged sharp words across the aisle, bringing proceedings close to a standstill. Efforts to calm the chamber proved difficult as divisions deepened over the fate of the electoral amendment.
In an attempt to restore order, the Speaker proposed that the House move into an executive session. The suggestion was initially resisted by some members, further heightening the tension on the floor, Vanguard reported.
House moves into closed-door session
Despite the resistance, the Speaker eventually directed that the House proceed into a closed-door session to address the matter privately.
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The development has intensified internal disagreements within the House, particularly over the provision on real-time electronic transmission of results, which has remained one of the most divisive electoral reforms in recent years.
Observers say the outcome of the closed-door deliberations could have significant implications for Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections.
INEC proposes N873.78bn for 2027 election
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a total budget of N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections. It was gathered that the budget has substantial allocations to election operations, technology, and capital expenditure.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said preparations for the 2027 general elections had already commenced in line with statutory requirements mandating that election funding be appropriated at least 360 days before the date fixed for the exercise.
Source: Legit.ng
