Politics
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.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Pope Leo XIV set to leave hospital after lung cancer surgery
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
Zamfara govt set to empower 36,176 residents with Dangote shares
Panic in Rivers community as pipeline explosion injures 20, razes over 50 houses
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s ‘flying’ car in stunning demonstration
Tension mounts as NLC rejects FG’s response to 14-day ultimatum
Lagos govt announces 3-day traffic diversion on Independence bridge for emergency repairs
