The House of Representatives was thrown into chaos on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during an emergency plenary session as lawmakers clashed over a motion to rescind the chamber's earlier passage of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2025/2026, particularly the provision mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Trouble erupted when Hon. Francis Waive (APC, Delta), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, moved the motion under Order Nine, Rule 6 of the House Standing Orders. Waive urged the House to rescind its December 23, 2025, decision on the bill to align with the Senate's position and address perceived inconsistencies ahead of the 2027 general elections. The motion was seconded by Hon. Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters.
When Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the question to a voice vote, the "nays" appeared louder than the "ayes," signaling strong opposition from many lawmakers. However, the Speaker ruled in favor of the "ayes," triggering immediate uproar. Protesting members shouted in objection, accusing the presiding officer of ignoring the audible majority against the motion. The pandemonium forced the Speaker to suspend proceedings and call for an executive (closed-door) session to resolve the impasse.
The controversy centers on Clause 60(3) of the amendment bill. The House's original version, passed in December 2025, mandated compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), to be done simultaneously with physical collation. This provision was seen by supporters as a key safeguard against manipulation, enhancing transparency and public confidence in elections.
In contrast, the Senate's version, passed earlier in February 2026, approved electronic transmission but included a caveat allowing manual collation as a fallback where technology fails—effectively diluting the "real-time" requirement. The bid to rescind aimed to harmonize the two versions through a conference committee, but opponents in the House viewed it as an attempt to weaken mandatory real-time transmission, potentially opening doors to electoral malpractices.
The rowdy session unfolded amid external pressures, including ongoing protests outside the National Assembly by civil society organizations, youth groups, and opposition supporters demanding retention of compulsory real-time transmission. Demonstrators have argued that any retreat from the provision would undermine electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 polls, scheduled for February 20 (presidential and National Assembly) and March 6 (governorship and state assemblies).
Following the executive session, the House reconvened and proceeded to clause-by-clause consideration of the bill. In a significant development, lawmakers ultimately adopted a hybrid approach for Clause 60(3), retaining both real-time electronic transmission and manual transmission as options. An attempt by Rep. Bamidele Salam (seconded by Rep. Kingsley Chinda) to delete the manual provision entirely was defeated by voice vote, with the "nays" prevailing.
The decision allows for real-time transmission where feasible while permitting manual processes in areas with network or logistical challenges—aligning closer to the Senate's conditional stance. This outcome paves the way for a conference committee to reconcile remaining differences between the two chambers before final passage and presidential assent.
The debate reflects deep divisions over electoral reforms in Nigeria. Proponents of mandatory real-time transmission, including many opposition lawmakers and civil society groups, argue it is essential for credibility, citing past controversies where delayed or disputed results fueled distrust. Critics, including some ruling party members, have raised concerns about infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity risks, and potential disenfranchisement in remote areas—echoing earlier Senate arguments.
The rowdy proceedings highlight the high stakes surrounding the Electoral Act amendments, especially as INEC's 2027 timetable announcement intensifies scrutiny on preparations. With public protests continuing and telecom operators affirming nationwide capacity for real-time transmission (even on 2G networks), the issue remains a flashpoint for Nigeria's democratic process.
As the bill advances toward harmonization, stakeholders continue to call for transparency and inclusivity to ensure the final law strengthens rather than undermines electoral integrity.
