Uproar as Protests Rock Electoral Act Bill Session, Reps Enter Closed-Door Meeting

Tension gripped proceedings on Tuesday as a crucial conference meeting between the Senate and the House of Representatives on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 was postponed to late night after members of the House delegation failed to formally convene ahead of plenary.

The delay followed a motion for rescission on the document, which sparked uproar during an emergency sitting and forced lawmakers into a closed-door session.

The development comes amid growing pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure seamless, transparent, and legally unassailable electronic transmission of results, with 368 days remaining before the February 20, 2027 general elections.

At the emergency plenary, deliberations began under tense conditions, while demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly complex demanding real-time electronic transmission of votes.

Inside the chamber, Francis Waive moved a motion seeking rescission of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to enable the House reconsider the legislation. The motion was seconded by Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters.

Although lawmakers audibly voted “Nay,” the Speaker ruled in favour of the “Ayes,” a decision that triggered loud protests on the floor.

Following the disruption, the House proceeded into an executive session to deliberate further.

This is a developing story.