Proceedings in Nigeria’s House of Representatives descended into disorder on Tuesday after lawmakers voted down an attempt to revisit an earlier decision on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The disruption followed a motion introduced by Francis Waive, chair of the Committee on Rules and Business, who urged the chamber to rescind the bill’s December 2025 passage and return it for renewed scrutiny. He argued that evolving electoral reform discussions made a fresh review necessary.
The motion, seconded on the floor, was subjected to a voice vote by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. A majority of members rejected the proposal, immediately triggering loud protests and visible disagreements across the chamber that stalled proceedings for several minutes.
An effort to de-escalate tensions through a motion for a closed-door sitting also failed to gain initial approval, as lawmakers again voted it down. Despite the resistance, the chamber later transitioned into an executive session.
After more than an hour behind closed doors, Tajudeen temporarily stepped aside, allowing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu to preside. The House then formed the Committee of the Whole to examine a separate measure seeking to repeal the Electoral Act, 2022 and enact a new Electoral Bill, 2026.
Lawmakers completed clause-by-clause consideration amid intermittent exchanges before passing a harmonised version of the legislation. The House subsequently adjourned sittings until 24 February.
