Reps stage walk out as protest continues over electronic transmission

Drama unfolded in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as several lawmakers staged a walkout in protest against efforts to rescind the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The unrest began when Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, moved a motion seeking to reverse the decision on the bill earlier approved on December 23, 2025.

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Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote. Although the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes,” the Speaker ruled in favour of the “ayes,” a decision that immediately sparked protests across the chamber.

In an attempt to restore order, Abbas called for an executive session. However, the move failed to calm tensions as proceedings descended into a heated and disorderly atmosphere.

Lawmakers opposed to the reversal continued to voice their objections, particularly over Clause 60(3), which mandates the compulsory electronic transmission of election results.

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The protest intensified as members stood up in defiance and prevented Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu from continuing the session.

Unable to reach a resolution, aggrieved lawmakers eventually walked out of plenary, leaving the chamber in disarray.

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