Proceedings in the Senate were thrown into disorder on Tuesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to reverse an earlier approval of electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The disagreement erupted during consideration of a motion sponsored by Tahir Monguno, senator representing Borno North, who urged the chamber to rescind its approval of Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026.
The contentious clause provides the legal framework for the electronic transmission of election results, a provision widely seen as central to electoral transparency.
Monguno told colleagues that the motion became necessary after fresh issues emerged from a closer review of the bill following its passage earlier in February. According to him, the clause requires further legislative work to eliminate ambiguities that could compromise the conduct of future elections.
Citing provisions of the Senate Standing Orders, Monguno asked lawmakers to allow the chamber revisit the clause and recommit it to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration. He insisted that the move would strengthen, not weaken, Nigeria’s electoral process.
The motion was seconded by Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader, who said electoral laws must undergo the highest level of scrutiny because of their implications for democracy and political stability.
However, the debate took a dramatic turn when Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South, raised a point of order. He argued that the Senate could not revisit the clause in the manner proposed and demanded that senators be allowed to vote individually on the matter.
Abaribe’s objection sparked loud exchanges on the floor, with several senators speaking at once and challenging the procedure being adopted. The chamber descended into a rowdy session as lawmakers argued over whether the motion was admissible and whether reversing a concluded decision would set a dangerous precedent.
Plenary was stalled for about ten minutes as Senate leadership struggled to restore order.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio repeatedly appealed for calm, urging senators to respect parliamentary rules and allow the chair manage the debate.
When order was partially restored, Akpabio asked Abaribe whether he wished to formally proceed with his point of order. The Abia lawmaker declined, allowing plenary to continue.
