Uzodimma: Akpabio-led Senate tightens rules, bars fresh senators from top leadership positions

The Nigerian Senate has again amended its standing rules, effectively shutting out newly elected lawmakers from contesting for key leadership positions in the upcoming 11th National Assembly.

The amendment followed a motion presented by Deputy Senate Leader, Lola Ashiru, during plenary on Tuesday after a closed-door session that lasted nearly three hours.

Under the revised provisions, Orders 4 and 5 of the Senate Standing Rules were amended to prioritise ranking and legislative experience in the selection of presiding and principal officers.

The updated Order 4 stipulates that nominations for presiding officers must strictly follow a hierarchy based on legislative experience. The ranking places former Senate Presidents at the top, followed by former Deputy Senate Presidents, former principal officers, and senators with at least one full term in the chamber. It also recognises lawmakers with prior experience in the House of Representatives, while first-time senators are only considered as a last resort.

More significantly, the amendment to Order 5 introduces a stricter eligibility condition, stating that only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination can contest for principal offices.

This new requirement effectively disqualifies incoming senators who were not part of both the 9th and 10th Senate from aspiring to leadership roles in the 11th Senate.

The affected positions include the President of the Senate and Deputy Senate President, as well as principal offices such as Senate Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip, and Deputy Minority Whip.

The move is seen as a significant shift aimed at reinforcing institutional experience and continuity within the Senate leadership, though it may also spark debate over inclusiveness and opportunities for new entrants into the legislative chamber.

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