Nigeria House of Representatives don talk say electronic transmission of election results from polling units still dey compulsory under the amended Electoral Act, despite the wahala and controversy wey follow the recent changes wey dem make to the bill.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi tok dis one for Abuja after emergency plenary wey make some lawmakers waka comot because dem no gree on top the mata. The House bin look again their earlier decision on exclusive electronic transmission, after difference show between their own version of the bill and that of the Senate. Things come tense after dem move motion to cancel the earlier resolution and another member second am, as some lawmakers argue say the outcome of the voice vote no clear. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen come call closed-door session wey last about two hours. When plenary resume, lawmakers insist say dem go consider the bill clause by clause all the 156 provisions with plenty focus on Clause 60 wey talk about transmission of results. Rotimi defend the process, say House Standing Orders allow voice vote unless person raise formal motion for division. He stress say the amended provision still require presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results go the IReV portal. According to am, manual transmission na only backup option if electronic system fail, and people suppose see am as safeguard, no be replacement. Rotimi add say the emergency session follow the creation of conference committee to settle differences with the Senate, and say dem no fit introduce new provisions at that stage unless either chamber don already adopt am before. He also mention concern about voter turnout and the election timetable wey Independent National Electoral Commission release, including possible clash with Ramadan and Lent. The spokesperson describe reports say security agents tear gas protesters outside the National Assembly as unfortunate, talk say citizens get right to peaceful protest. The House adjourn plenary reach February 24 make committees finish work on the 2026 budget defence, as lawmakers talk say early passage of the amendment go give INEC enough time to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
