The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described Tuesday’s walkout by some opposition lawmakers during deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 as a globally recognised legislative practice that poses no threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Members of the Minority Caucus had staged a walkout in protest over the House’s position on Clause 60(3) of the bill.

The controversy arose after Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) proposed an amendment seeking to retain mandatory electronic transmission of election results to the IReV portal from polling units, while removing the provision allowing manual transmission in the event of network or communication failure.

When the amendment was subjected to a voice vote, it failed, prompting opposition lawmakers to walk out of plenary.

Reacting in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese said the action should not be misconstrued as disorder or legislative breakdown.

“Walkouts are part of standard parliamentary practice globally. They are used by lawmakers to express firm opposition to decisions they do not align with,” he said.

According to him, such actions are within the rules and traditions of parliamentary democracy and reflect disagreement rather than dysfunction.

The Deputy Spokesperson stressed that the House remained united in its commitment to democratic principles and the interests of Nigerians, despite differences of opinion among members.

He noted that robust debates, disagreements and even protests within the chamber were signs of a healthy legislative process.

“What is important is that issues are ventilated openly and resolved through legislative procedures. Nigerians should be assured that the House will not fail them,” he added.

The walkout followed heated debates over the contentious clause, which has generated nationwide discussion ahead of the 2027 general elections.