Abuja don turn real political battleground as House of Representatives finally bow follow Senate for the serious gbege wey surround Electoral Act amendment ahead of 2027 election.
After heavy quarrel, shouting and argument for inside chamber, the Reps adopt Clause 60(3), wey allow both electronic and manual transmission of election results. Dat one mean say if network talk say e no wan work, dem fit fall back to manual result. Minority lawmakers no gree at all. Dem vex waka comot for plenary, say dem no go support any law wey fit open backdoor for rigging or any corner-corner manipulation. Dem stand gidigba say result suppose dey transmitted electronically sharp-sharp without any excuse.
Earlier, Senate don already hold ground for the same matter. Under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, majority of senators vote make manual transmission remain if network jam or fail. Senate still cut the notice period for election from 360 days reach 300 days, talk say na to avoid clash between 2027 election timetable and Ramadan fasting period.
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As all dis drama dey happen for inside National Assembly, outside na another level of tension. Protesters gather for gate dey demand make real-time electronic transmission compulsory. Nigeria Police Force release teargas scatter the crowd as tension rise. People begin run helter-skelter, and report talk say one elderly mama faint for the confusion.
Civil society groups and labour unions blast the decision, say lawmakers dey weaken electoral transparency and create loophole. Former minister Oby Ezekwesili warn say any law wey no make electronic transmission compulsory fit wound democracy badly. On the other side, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike brush the protest aside, say some opposition people just dey do political show.
Now the bill go still pass harmonisation between the two chambers before dem carry am go meet the President for assent. But as 2027 dey draw near, one thing sure — political temperature for Naija don rise well-well and e never cool.