Nigeria’s House of Representatives Nigeria says electronic transmission of election results from polling units remains mandatory under the amended Electoral Act, despite controversy surrounding recent changes to the bill.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi stated this in Abuja after an emergency plenary that saw some lawmakers stage a walkout over disagreements on the clause.
The House had reconvened to revisit its earlier decision on exclusive electronic transmission following differences between its version of the bill and that of the Senate.
Proceedings became tense after a motion to rescind the earlier resolution was moved and seconded, with some members disputing the outcome of the voice vote.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen then called a closed door session that lasted about two hours.
When plenary resumed, lawmakers insisted on clause by clause consideration of the 156 provisions of the bill, focusing heavily on Clause 60, which covers transmission of results.
Rotimi defended the process, saying House Standing Orders allow voice votes unless a formal motion for division is raised.
He stressed that the amended provision still requires presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results to the IReV portal.
According to him, manual transmission applies only as a fallback where electronic systems fail and should be seen as a safeguard rather than a replacement.
Rotimi added that the emergency session followed the creation of a conference committee to harmonise differences with the Senate, noting that new provisions cannot be introduced at that stage unless previously adopted by either chamber.
He also cited concerns about voter turnout and the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, including a possible clash with Ramadan and Lent.
The spokesperson described reports that protesters were tear gassed outside the National Assembly Nigeria as unfortunate, saying citizens have a right to peaceful protest.
The House adjourned plenary to February 24 to allow committees conclude work on the 2026 budget defence, with lawmakers saying early passage of the amendment will give INEC enough time to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
