Fred Agbedi, a PDP member of the House Committee on Electoral Affairs, accused the House of Representatives leadership of sidelining opposition lawmakers during deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment.
He claimed that the process became partisan, with the ruling APC allegedly directed to vote as a bloc, undermining minority input.
The controversy centered on the removal of the “real-time” electronic transmission clause, which prompted protests both inside the National Assembly and outside by civil society groups.
Demonstrators, including figures like Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, and Aisha Yesufu, demanded that the amendment ensure real-time results transmission to INEC’s portal and the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill.
Despite the rowdy sessions and opposition outcry, the House passed the harmonised Electoral Act 2026, allowing manual collation where electronic transmission fails—a provision critics warn could invite manipulation.
Agbedi emphasised that lawmakers must prioritise public confidence to maintain trust in future elections.
