Feb 17 β€’ 14:56 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

Nigeria: Reps Stage Walk Out As Protest Continues Over Electronic Transmission

Members of Nigeria's House of Representatives walked out in protest against a motion to rescind the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment bill concerning electronic result transmission.

In Nigeria, tensions escalated in the House of Representatives when members staged a walkout in response to a motion intended to rescind the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment bill. The contentious motion, introduced by Francis Waive, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, aimed to reverse the decision made on December 23, 2025, but was met with immediate backlash from opposition members. They felt the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, misrepresented the voting outcome during a voice vote, leading to protests on the floor of the House.

The dissent stemmed mainly from concerns over Clause 60(3) of the bill, which mandates the electronic transmission of election results. This clause has become a focal point of contention as lawmakers believe it enhances electoral integrity and transparency. However, the push to potentially alter or rescind this mandate has ignited fears among many legislators about reverting to less reliable methods of result transmission, which could undermine the numerous reform efforts in Nigeria's electoral system.

Despite calls for an executive session to resolve the issue, the situation failed to stabilize. The rowdy environment continued as legislators stood in protest against the chair's rulings, ultimately leading a group of aggrieved members to exit the plenary in a significant display of discontent. This event not only highlights the ongoing struggles within Nigeria's political landscape regarding electoral policies but also points to the larger implications for democratic processes in the country.

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