Lawmakers clash over Electoral Act amendment bill in heated session
The House of Representatives experienced a chaotic session as members debated the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Speaker Dr Tajudeen Abbas presided over the sparsely attended plenary, which became tense following a motion by Francis Waive to rescind and reconsider the bill. The session saw disagreements among lawmakers, with minority caucus members expressing strong opposition. Allegations of attempts to alter the bill further fueled tensions, leading the House into a closed-door executive session.
What we know
- Francis Waive moved a motion to rescind the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, supported by Adebayo Balogun.
- The motion aimed to address anomalies and safeguard the integrity of the electoral framework.
- Despite a majority voting against the motion, Speaker Abbas proceeded with counting the minority in favour, causing agitation.
- Minority caucus members, reportedly in the majority, expressed anger over the process and alleged attempts to alter the bill.
- The House went into a closed-door session as tensions escalated, with lawmakers yet to resume at the time of reporting.
