By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Nigerian Senate has reversed its controversial decision on new rules governing qualifications for Principal Offices effective next session.
The Senate had on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, amended its standing rules voting to restrict principal offices to only Senators who have served for at least two consecutive terms of eight years.
Expectedly, the new rules instantly drew widespread indignation and condemnations. Some Senators led by Adams Oshiomhole engaged Senate President Godswill Akpabio in an intensive exchange of words during plenary on Wednesday.
The new rules effectively shut out Oshiomhole, other ranking Senators, as well as would-be high profile Senators including former and serving Governors who are believed to be angling to retire to the red chamber of the National Assembly in 2027 from contesting Principal offices.
Specifically, unconfirmed reports indicate that the Senate President may have primarily targeted the Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, with the vexatious amendment.
Governor Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, is rumoured to be eyeing the Senate’s topmost job after being handed the APC ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District by stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls.
Despite strident opposition from overwhelming majority of the members, Akpabio, on Wednesday ruled for the passage of the Votes and Proceedings of the amendment when it was put to vote.
However, the Senate, at plenary on Thursday, rescinded the amendment, and reversed to the status quo, citing observed discrepancies with constitutional provisions as a major reason for its action.
The Source further reports that with the reversal, ranking Senators (those who had previously completed a term, no matter the year and session) will be eligible to contest Principal offices including the Senate Presidency.
Even Lawmakers transitioning from the House of Representatives to the Senate are considered as ranking members and are eligible to contest principal offices.
The reversal of the amendment, was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.
According to Senator Bamidele, the reversal is aimed at engandering healthy competition, and ensuring inclusiveness in the selection processes for Senate’s principal officers.
“The Senate recalls that the Senate Standing Orders were considered and amended on Tuesday 5th May, 2026.
“The Senate observes that upon further legislative and constitutional review, certain provisions introduced under Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tension with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 ( as amended) particularly Section 52 thereof.
“Notes that it necessary to ensure that the Standing Orders of the Senate remain fully consistent with constitutional provisions, established parliamentary conventions and legislative practice.
“Further notes that the Senate possesses the inherent parliamentary authority to revisit, rescind, and recommit any matter previously decided upon in order to preserve the integrity of its proceedings.and legislative framework.
“Accordingly resolves to: rescind its earlier decisions relating to the amendments made to Order 2(2) and Order 3 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders 2026”,the Senate leader stated .
The motion for the reversal was subsequently unanimously approved by members, most of whom had earlier voiced their resentment to, and disapproval of the controversial amendment.
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