Just In: House Of Reps Makes Decision On Electronic Results Amid Rowdy Session

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved provisions for both real-time electronic transmission and manual transmission of election results, following intense deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to parliamentary sources, the House had initially moved into a closed-door session to restore order and allow members time to deliberate on the bill. However, tensions escalated when lawmakers returned to the floor for further debate, demanding clause-by-clause consideration of the legislation.

The session grew rowdy when the Deputy Speaker attempted to take the bill in bulk, prompting protests from members who argued that the far-reaching amendments required thorough examination. Proceedings were subsequently halted and restarted, with the Deputy Speaker agreeing to the clause-by-clause review.

During the debate, Clause 60(3), which mandates both electronic and manual transmission of results, was adopted. A motion to remove the manual transmission option, moved by Rep. Bamidele Salam and seconded by Rep. Kingsley Chinda, was defeated after members voted against it, citing concerns that eliminating manual transmission could compromise the integrity and inclusiveness of the electoral process.