Reps Stage Walkout Over Electronic Transmission Clause

Some members of the House of Representatives walked out of plenary on Tuesday in protest against a motion to rescind the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment bill.

The disruption began after Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, moved that the House reverse its decision on the bill, which was first passed on December 23, 2025.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote.

Although the “nays” were louder than the “ayes”, the Speaker ruled that the ayes had it, prompting protests from several lawmakers.

Abbas called for an executive session, but disagreements continued, particularly over Clause 60(3), which mandates the compulsory electronic transmission of results.

Lawmakers stood and prevented Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu from continuing proceedings before eventually walking out of the chamber.

Since Monday, hundreds of people have gathered at the National Assembly to demand that the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill include real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Activist Omoyele Sowore alleged that police used an unfamiliar gas, which he referred to as “nerve gas,” during the protest at the National Assembly.

Sowore claimed the substance affected several demonstrators, but the police made no immediate response to the allegation.