Lawmakers Walk Out as Protest Erupts Over Electronic Transmission

Tension flared in the House of Representatives as some lawmakers staged a walkout in protest over efforts to reverse the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The dispute began after Francis Waive, Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, moved a motion seeking the House’s reconsideration of the bill earlier passed on December 23, 2025.

When the motion was put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes.” However, the Speaker ruled in favour of the “ayes,” sparking immediate protest among members.

An executive session called to calm tensions failed to resolve the disagreement, and proceedings turned rowdy again as lawmakers protested provisions on mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

During the uproar, members stood up in defiance and prevented Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu from continuing the session.

The standoff eventually led to several aggrieved lawmakers walking out of the plenary.