As controversy on the amendment of Senate Standing Rules rages on, the Senate, on Thursday, rescinded its amendment barring first-time Senators from contesting presiding offices, reopening the 2027 race for Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The reversal was adopted after a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and presided over by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jubrin Barau.
The motion he brought before the Chamber for consideration and approval is titled: “Recession and Re-Committal of Order 2 (2) and Order 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023, as amended”.
Presenting the motion, the Leader said: “The Senate recalls that the Senate Standing Orders were considered and amended on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026; “The Senate observes that upon further legislative and constitutional review, certain provisions introduced under Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 52 thereof; “The Senate notes that it is necessary to ensure that the Standing Orders of the Senate remain fully consistent with constitutional provisions, established parliamentary conventions, and legislative practice; “Further notes that the Senate possesses the inherent parliamentary authority to revisit, rescind, and recommit any matter previously decided upon in order to preserve the integrity of its proceedings and legislative framework; “The Senate accordingly resolves to rescind its earlier decisions relating to the amendments made to Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2026.”
The earlier Tuesday amendment required any Senator seeking to run for presiding or principal offices to have served in the Senate for two consecutive terms adding up to eight years.
The provision disqualified newly elected Senators and those returning after a break, leaving eligibility to a few ranking lawmakers, a development that sparked agitation in the Chamber.
The rule had drawn criticism from the public, with potential victims describing it as an attempt to exclude influential political figures expected to enter the Senate in 2027, including outgoing governors and former ministers.
The amendment was criticized as taking away the democratic choice and locking in a closed caucus but supporters said it would provide experienced leadership in the Senate.
The removal of the rule has opened the leadership contest for the 11th National Assembly to all elected Senators, regardless of tenure.
The decision is particularly significant for individuals like Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is anticipated to seek a Senate seat in 2027, even though he is ineligible for a second term as governor.
The reversal also reflects a shift in the ruling party toward a more competitive and inclusive process for choosing the next Senate leadership, rather than one based on tenure restrictions determining who qualifies.
The amendment was said to have been done following the rumour in the media space that former Senators Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ovie Omo-Agege were contemplating return to the Red Chamber and would likely vie for the Senate presidency in 2027.
