By Charles Maduka
A crucial meeting of the Conference Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, was shifted to late Monday night after members of the House delegation failed to formally convene ahead of Tuesday’s plenary.
A motion for rescission on the document later triggered an uproar during an emergency plenary session, forcing the House into a closed-door executive session.
The development comes amid growing pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with 368 days to the February 20, 2027 general elections, to ensure seamless, transparent and legally defensible electronic transmission of election results.
At the emergency plenary on electoral matters, proceedings commenced under tense conditions as lawmakers deliberated on the controversial bill.
Outside the National Assembly complex, protesters staged demonstrations, demanding real-time electronic transmission of votes in future elections.
Inside the chamber, Hon. Francis Waive moved a motion seeking the rescission of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to enable the House reconsider the legislation. The motion was seconded by Hon. Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters.
However, when the motion was put to a voice vote, lawmakers were heard shouting “Nay,” but the Speaker ruled in favour of the “Ayes,” a decision that sparked loud protests on the floor of the House.
Following the heated exchanges, the House moved into an executive session.
The situation remains fluid as deliberations continue.
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