The House of Representatives erupted in chaos on Tuesday as protests outside the National Assembly intensified over demands for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the contentious Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

With exactly 368 days remaining until the February 20, 2027, general elections, civil society groups, activists, and demonstrators besieged the National Assembly gates for a second consecutive day (and in some reports, continuing from prior weeks), chanting slogans and pressing lawmakers to ensure polling unit results are uploaded live to INEC’s IReV portal without discretionary fallbacks that critics say could enable manipulation.

A key joint Conference Committee session between Senate and House delegations to reconcile differences particularly on Clause 60(3) regarding electronic transmission was postponed to late night after the House side failed to convene formally on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s plenary.

Inside the chamber during an emergency plenary on electoral matters, the atmosphere turned rowdy when Hon. Francis Waive (Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business) moved a motion for rescission of the House’s earlier passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

The motion, seconded by Hon. Bayo Balogun (Chairman, Committee on Electoral Matters), sought to recommit the bill for reconsideration, reportedly to address inconsistencies arising from ongoing harmonization talks with the Senate’s version.

When Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote, the chamber rang with loud “Nay” shouts from many lawmakers apparently opposing it. Despite this, the Speaker declared the “Ayes” had it, ruling the motion carried.

The decision ignited immediate uproar, with members protesting vocally and accusing the presiding officer of overriding the evident majority.To quell the escalating disorder, the House quickly adjourned into a closed-door executive session to deliberate further.

The Senate has endorsed electronic transmission but with a more flexible framework (often conditional on network availability or INEC discretion), while the House version previously mandated compulsory real-time upload alongside physical collation.

Protesters, including groups backed by figures like Obiageli Ezekwesili and coalitions such as Situation Room, insist the final harmonized bill must adopt the stronger House position to safeguard electoral integrity and public trust ahead of 2027.

This remains a developing story, with the executive session’s outcome and any progress in Conference Committee talks poised to determine the fate of Nigeria’s electoral reforms.

INEC on Friday released 2027 elections timetable fixing February 20 for the presidential and national assembly, March 6 for governorship and state assemblies.

The Chairman of the Independent INEC), Joash Amupitan, told journalists at the press briefing in Abuja that the announcement was in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

Citing constitutional timelines, Amupitan explained: “Pursuant to Section 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days, and not later than 30 days, before the expiration of the term of office of the holders.

“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation, except Anambra State, Bayasa State, Edo States, Ekiti States, Imo State, Kogi, Ondo, and Nasarawa States, will expire on the 28th day of May,  will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027,” he said.

“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age brackets. That is when you can be vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” said former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan gave the insight on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

He urged African nations to promote younger leaders, arguing that those between the ages of 25 and 50 are better equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of modern governance.

Reflecting on his time in office, Jonathan said leadership requires exceptional stamina and resilience, noting that he often slept for only a few hours while serving as president.

Jonathan aligns his remarks with the objectives of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which advocates reduced age limits for elective positions to encourage youth participation in politics.

Jonathan cited the example of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left what he described as a lasting legacy of decisive and visionary leadership.

“Murtala’s leadership sent a clear message that governance is about serving the national interest, not personal ambition,” he said.

He also referenced General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing him as another example of youthful leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

However, Jonathan cautioned that age alone does not guarantee effective leadership, emphasising the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions.