Senate reverses leadership eligibility rule

The Senate on Thursday, May 7, rescinded amendments to its Standing Orders after lawmakers raised concerns that key provisions conflicted with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Red Chamber had, on Tuesday, amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal officer positions.

These changes appeared to shut the door on several high-profile hopefuls for the 11th National Assembly in June 2027, including Senators Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central), and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), among others rumoured to be positioning themselves for leadership roles.

The amendment process sparked a heated exchange on Wednesday between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the adoption of Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting.

However, during Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele raised a motion to backtrack. He informed the house that certain clauses introduced under Order 2, Subsection 2 and Order 3, Subsection 1 could create “constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions” with Section 52 of the Constitution.

He noted that the Senate possesses the inherent authority to “revisit, rescind, and recommit” any previous decision to preserve the integrity of its legislative framework.

The Senate subsequently resolved to rescind the controversial amendments.