Uproar in Reps as Lawmaker Alleges Inducement Over Electronic Transmission Clause

Pat Stevens/

There were chaotic scenes in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill descended into shouting, accusations and a brief walkout, amid allegations of financial inducement linked to the controversial electronic transmission provision.

Tensions flared during plenary when the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who was presiding, moved to take several clauses together rather than consider them individually.

The development sparked loud objections from members who insisted that the amendment, particularly provisions relating to electronic transmission of results, must be treated clause by clause.

Several lawmakers rose in protest, accusing the chair of attempting to “railroad” the process.

Amid the uproar, one member alleged that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress had been offered financial inducements to support the Senate’s version of the electronic transmission clause.

The allegation, made on the floor of the House, further inflamed tensions, although no documentary evidence was immediately presented to substantiate the claim.

Despite repeated calls from the chamber for a more detailed approach to the bill, the Deputy Speaker initially struck the gavel and proceeded to carry the grouped clauses.

The move triggered further protests, with some members reportedly walking out of proceedings in frustration.

After several minutes of disorder, Kalu reversed his decision and agreed to consider the amendment clause by clause, restoring a measure of calm to the chamber.

The uproar reflects deep divisions within the National Assembly over Clause 60(3), which concerns the electronic transmission of election results.

The Senate’s position, which the House has been under pressure to align with, does not mandate real-time transmission from polling units, instead allowing results to be uploaded subject to technical feasibility.

Civil society groups and opposition figures have argued that mandatory real-time transmission is essential to enhance transparency and reduce post-election disputes, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The House had previously been perceived as more receptive to stronger language compelling electronic transmission. Tuesday’s drama underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the provision.

The controversy comes as lawmakers also consider adjustments to the statutory timeline for issuing the election timetable, with proposals to reduce the notice period from 360 days to 300 days before polling.

Observers say the twin issues of electronic transmission and compressed timelines carry significant implications for the credibility of the 2027 polls and for public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

As at the time of filing this report, debate on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was ongoing, with heightened security presence around the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

No official statement had yet been issued by House leadership or the APC in response to the inducement allegation.