By Anastasia John E
The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, partially rescinded its recently amended standing rules following a heated debate over their legality. However, in a move that solidifies the internal power structure of the red chamber, the Senate opted to retain the controversial provision that bars “newcomers” and first-term lawmakers from contesting the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The decision to reverse portions of the rules came during a plenary session on May 7, 2026, after it became clear that several amendments passed earlier were in direct conflict with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The reversal follows a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which sought to rescind amendments made to Order 2, Subsection 2, and Order 3, Subsection 1 of the Senate Standing Orders.
These specific sections governed the procedures for the first sitting of a new Senate, including the roll call of senators-elect, the declaration of assets, and the administrative sequence of electing presiding and principal officers. The previous amendment had proposed that the election of the Senate President and Deputy would only occur after lawmakers had been officially sworn in and their assets declared—a departure from the long-standing tradition where the Clerk of the National Assembly conducts elections before the formal swearing-in.
Legal experts and critics had warned that the proposed changes contradicted Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the sequence of parliamentary inauguration. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised a point of order during the session, challenging the legality of the changes and urging his colleagues to align the chamber’s rules with supreme law to avoid a constitutional crisis.
“Ranking Rule” Remains Intact
While the Senate bowed to constitutional pressure regarding the inauguration sequence, it stood firm on the “ranking” eligibility criteria.
The chamber maintained the provision that restricts leadership eligibility to lawmakers who served in the 10th Assembly and are re-elected into the incoming 11th Assembly. This effectively shuts the door on any first-term senator—regardless of their previous political experience outside the Senate—from vying for the two top seats in the legislative arm.
By retaining this rule, the Senate has reinforced a parliamentary tradition that prioritizes institutional memory and seniority, ensuring that only “returning senators” can preside over the chamber. This move is seen by many as an attempt to prevent wealthy political outsiders or influential first-timers from staging “leadership coups” upon their arrival at the National Assembly.
Implications for the 11th Assembly
The dual nature of Thursday’s decision—reversing the administrative sequence but keeping the restrictive eligibility—sets a clear stage for the transition to the 11th Assembly.
“The Senate is a house of tradition,” a source close to the leadership stated. “While we must respect the Constitution regarding how we are sworn in, we must also protect the sanctity of the institution by ensuring that those who lead us are well-versed in the intricate workings of the parliament.”
As it stands, any senator-elect who is not a returning member of the 10th Assembly will be ineligible to stand for election as Senate President, regardless of their party’s backing or personal influence.
The Senate has directed its Committee on Rules and Business to ensure that the clean copy of the Standing Orders reflects these latest resolutions to prevent further legal challenges.
