Senate Reverses Controversial Rule Barring First-Term Senators

The Senate on Thursday reversed its controversial amendment that barred first-term senators from contesting for presiding offices, reopening the race for the leadership of the 11th National Assembly.

The decision effectively restores the eligibility of all senators-elect to vie for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, irrespective of whether they are returning lawmakers or newcomers.

The reversal followed growing concerns that the earlier amendment to the Senate Standing Orders was inconsistent with provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The upper chamber rescinded the amendment after adopting a motion moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

The motion, titled “Rescission and Re-Committal of Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023, as amended,” received overwhelming support through a voice vote.

The development marks a significant shift in the Senate’s approach to the 2027 leadership contest, amid indications that several governors and political heavyweights are preparing for a return to the Red Chamber.

Sources within the National Assembly said mounting pressure from different political interests compelled the Senate leadership to revisit the amendment barely days after it was introduced.

While presenting the motion, Bamidele explained that further constitutional and legislative review revealed that aspects of the amended rules could create conflicts with the Constitution.

According to him, the Constitution permits senators-elect to participate in the election of presiding officers before they are sworn into office.

He urged the Senate to withdraw the contentious provisions in order to align the Standing Orders with constitutional requirements.

The Senate had earlier amended its rules on Tuesday after a lengthy executive session, restricting eligibility for principal offices to lawmakers returning from the current Assembly. The move had effectively shut out first-time senators from contesting for leadership positions.

Speaking after Thursday’s reversal, Adams Oshiomhole criticised the manner in which the amendment was initially handled, stressing the need for wider consultations before sensitive legislative decisions are taken.

Responding, Bamidele frowned at the controversy generated by the amendment, saying the Senate should avoid actions capable of damaging the image of the institution.

Barau, in his ruling, described the reversal as necessary, noting that the Senate only acted to ensure its rules remained in line with constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, political activities ahead of the 2027 elections have intensified, with several serving and former governors positioning themselves for Senate seats.

Among governors reportedly eyeing the Senate are Abdullahi Sule, Ahmadu Fintiri, Babagana Zulum, Mai Mala Buni, Dapo Abiodun, Hope Uzodimma and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Also linked with Senate ambitions are former governors and current lawmakers, including Godswill Akpabio, Orji Kalu, Simon Lalong and Aminu Tambuwal, among others.

In Ogun East, attention is already focused on a likely political showdown between Governor Abiodun and incumbent senator, Gbenga Daniel.

Similarly, political observers believe Zulum could face stiff opposition in Borno Central as some stakeholders are reportedly backing Senator Shehu Lawan for another term.

Also joining the race is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of former Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who formally declared interest in the Imo East Senatorial seat on the platform of the Labour Party.

She was among aspirants who obtained nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja ahead of the primaries.