‘leadership race restricted to “tested and trusted” hands
•Senate insists amendment defends the Red Chamber’s integrity.
The Red Chamber descended into a heated confrontation on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, clashed over sweeping amendments to the Senate Standing Rules. The new rules effectively shut the door on “neophyte” senators eyeing the Senate Presidency in 2027.**
The tension erupted following the adoption of amendments to Order 2 (3), (4), and (5), which introduce stringent eligibility criteria for the chamber’s top leadership positions. Under the revised framework, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding their nomination, or those who have held principal officer roles in previous sessions, are eligible to contest for the Senate Presidency.
The “Rookie” Bar
The provision creates an immediate legislative “glass ceiling,” disqualifying first-term senators and those without prior leadership experience—a category that includes high-profile lawmakers like Oshiomhole.
Raising a stiff objection during plenary, Oshiomhole warned that the amendment was a blow to parliamentary democracy and inclusiveness. He argued that the Senate should not legislate “exclusionary” rules that stifle the ambitions of capable members.
“The Senate must not create rules that shut out capable members from aspiring to leadership positions,” Oshiomhole insisted, maintaining that competence and merit should never be subordinated to tenure or “ranking” status.
Political Undercurrents
The clash is widely viewed through the lens of 2027 political maneuvering. While Oshiomhole is rumored to be nursing an ambition for the Senate Presidency in the next assembly, Akpabio is reportedly consolidating power to secure a second term (2027–2031).
Defending the amendment, Akpabio dismissed the “exclusion” narrative, framing the move as an essential safeguard for the legislature.
“The Senate, like any serious institution, must be guided by rules that promote continuity, order, and competence in its leadership structure,” Akpabio stated. He maintained that the changes were necessary to preserve institutional stability and ensure the gavel remains in experienced hands.
Point of Order Ignored
The atmosphere turned even more cinematic during the voice vote. As Akpabio put the amendments to the floor, Oshiomhole repeatedly shouted “Point of Order!” in an attempt to halt the proceedings. However, the Senate President ignored the protests, presiding over a process where Oshiomhole remained the lone dissenting voice. The amendments were adopted despite the Edo Senator’s vocal resistance.
Five-Day Working Week
In a separate but significant move to boost legislative productivity, the Senate also overhauled its working calendar. Plenary sittings have been increased from three to five days a week, moving from the traditional Tuesday-through-Thursday schedule to a full Monday-through-Friday work week.
Under the new schedule, committee activities have been shifted to Friday afternoons, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. This shift, according to the leadership, is aimed at clearing legislative backlogs and enhancing the overall efficiency of the 10th National Assembly.
