The Senate on Thursday, May 7, reversed recent amendments to its Standing Orders following concerns from lawmakers that some of the new provisions were inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Earlier in the week, the Red Chamber had revised its rules to tighten eligibility requirements for presiding and principal officer positions.
The changes were widely seen as a move that could block several prominent politicians from contesting leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly in June 2027, including Senators Hope Uzodimma, Kabiru Marafa, and Adams Oshiomhole, among others believed to be eyeing key offices.
The amendments also triggered a tense exchange on Wednesday between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s session.
At Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele introduced a motion seeking to reverse the amendments. He explained that some provisions under Order 2, Subsection 2, and Order 3, Subsection 1 could lead to “constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions” with Section 52 of the Constitution.
Bamidele stressed that the Senate has the authority to review, rescind, and reconsider its previous decisions in order to safeguard the integrity of its legislative processes.
Following deliberations, the Senate agreed to withdraw the controversial amendments.
