By Amah
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An emergency session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday spiraled into chaos as lawmakers clashed over the recommittal of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, highlighting deep divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The session, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, was convened to address urgent issues in the Electoral Act, particularly provisions affecting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (Independent National Electoral Commission) ability to announce election timetables within 360 days of a poll. A notice from the Clerk of the House indicated that members were summoned to deliberate on the Commission’s recently released timetable for the 2027 elections.
Shortly after proceedings began, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, moved a motion to rescind the December 2025 passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. The motion, seconded by Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, cited identified inconsistencies in the bill that, in their view, required urgent legislative correction to protect electoral integrity, ensure inclusivity, and promote administrative efficiency.
When the Speaker called for a voice vote on the motion, a segment of lawmakers vocally opposed it, repeatedly shouting “nay, nay, nay.” Despite the uproar, Speaker Tajudeen struck the gavel, declaring, “the ayes have it,” a decision that only intensified disorder.
The situation escalated as some members moved aggressively toward one another. Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki Yalleman, reportedly advanced toward Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Bamidele Salam, but was quickly restrained by fellow lawmakers.
To restore order, the House adjourned into an executive session to discuss the contentious issue behind closed doors. Sources said the primary dispute centers on INEC’s timetable powers, a provision that has stirred controversy since the Commission unveiled the schedule for the 2027 elections.
Tuesday’s heated session underscores the sharp divisions within the House over electoral law and reveals early tensions as lawmakers prepare for Nigeria’s next general elections.
