Tensions flared in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers engaged in a heated standoff over a motion seeking to rescind the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment bill.
The motion, moved by Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, proposed that the chamber reverse its earlier decision on the bill, which was passed on December 23, 2025.
However, when the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, subjected the motion to a voice vote, confusion erupted. Although the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes,” Abbas ruled in favour of the nays — effectively rejecting the motion.
The ruling sparked loud protests from several lawmakers, who shouted in objection and challenged the decision.
In a bid to restore order, the Speaker called for an executive session, but the proposal initially met resistance on the floor.
Despite the pushback, Abbas proceeded to move the House into an executive session.
The controversy centres on the Electoral Act Amendment bill earlier adopted by the green chamber, which mandates the real-time transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
The latest drama underscores deep divisions within the House over the future of electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.