Drama play out for Nigeria House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as minority opposition lawmakers stage mass walkout from plenary and begin shout “APC Ole” in protest against one controversial clause inside the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The tension start during clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, especially on Clause 60(3), wey talk about how election results go dey transmitted. The clause allow both real-time electronic transmission to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) IReV portal and manual transmission as backup if technology fail.
Rep. Bamidele Salam move motion, seconded by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, to remove the manual transmission option and make electronic transmission compulsory without exception. According to dem, allowing manual collation fit create room for manipulation and weaken trust in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
But after voice vote presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the “nays” carry the day, meaning the dual-option clause remain. Opposition members immediately protest, claim say the “nays” no louder pass the “ayes,” and accuse the process of bias.
Videos wey circulate online show dozens of opposition lawmakers stand up from their seats, shouting “APC Ole! APC Ole!” as dem march out of the chamber together. The chant quickly trend on social media, with many users criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and accusing the party of weakening electoral transparency.
Some minority caucus members also allege say inducements fit don influence certain lawmakers to support the clause, though no evidence present during plenary. The walkout also extend to objections over Clause 84, wey deal with party candidate nomination procedures.
The debate over electronic transmission don remain sensitive issue since the 2023 elections, when partial use of technology spark allegations of irregularities. Opposition lawmakers argue say keeping manual transmission as option weaken safeguards against fraud and fit legalise result manipulation during collation.
However, supporters of the dual transmission system insist say Nigeria still face infrastructure and network challenges, especially for rural areas, and say backup manual option necessary in case technology fail.
Earlier, the House rescind its December 2025 passage of the bill to allow fresh deliberations on key clauses, including election notices and result transmission. With the opposition walkout, partisan tension inside the National Assembly don escalate further.
As the minority lawmakers exit the chamber, proceedings reportedly continue with majority members. The final passage of the bill and harmonisation with the Senate version still pending, setting the stage for more political confrontation as 2027 elections draw closer.
For now, the chant of “APC Ole” don echo beyond the Green Chamber, reflecting growing public debate and deep division over the future of Nigeria electoral process.
