The House of Representatives descended into chaos on Tuesday after an aggressive attempt by the leadership to fast-track the Electoral Act Amendment Bill without proper scrutiny.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu attempted to push multiple clauses at once, declaring that lawmakers would take “10 clauses at a time” instead of the standard clause-by-clause review.
That move immediately triggered open rebellion on the floor. Lawmakers erupted in protest. Voices thundered across the chamber:
“Clause by clause! Clause by clause!”
Members rose from their seats, openly challenging the process and accusing the leadership of violating parliamentary procedure.
The tension escalated further when a motion was introduced to rescind the earlier passage of the bill, citing electoral irregularities and the need to align the law ahead of the 2027 elections.
When the motion was subjected to a voice vote, the outcome sparked even more controversy.
The “Nays” were clearly louder. But Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled in favor of the “Ayes.”
That ruling detonated the chamber.
Lawmakers shouted in defiance:
“No! The nays are louder!”
What followed was total disorder.
Shouting. Confusion. Open confrontation. The session had to be forced into a closed-door executive meeting just to restore control.
Under intense pressure and resistance, Deputy Speaker Kalu was forced to retreat and announced that the bill would now be considered properly.
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