The Nigerian Senate on Thursday reversed its controversial amendment to the Senate Standing Orders following reported intervention from the Presidency over concerns about the implications of the new rule.
The decision came after Senate Leader sponsored a motion of rescission during plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President .
The amendment, which was introduced earlier this week, had restricted eligibility for the offices of Senate President and other principal positions to lawmakers who had completed at least two terms, including the immediate preceding term. Critics argued that the move would significantly reduce the number of eligible contenders ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly in 2027.
According to sources familiar with the development, the Presidency reportedly ordered an immediate reversal of the amendment after concerns emerged that the rule could undermine democratic competition within the Senate.
A source claimed the Presidency was uncomfortable with what it viewed as an attempt by Senate President to strengthen his hold on the leadership structure ahead of 2027.
“The Presidency is furious and worried that Senate President Akpabio could support such an undemocratic amendment that may allow him to impose himself as Senate President in the next Senate,” the source alleged.
The source further claimed that allies within the Senate leadership were directed to reverse the amendment immediately, describing the development as a setback for Akpabio’s alleged political calculations ahead of the next Assembly inauguration.
With the reversal, senators previously excluded under the amended rules are now eligible to contest for principal offices, including the Senate presidency.
The controversy had earlier triggered tension during Wednesday’s plenary session after Senator openly challenged the amendment process.
During the heated session, Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio moved to confirm the Senate votes and proceedings. Despite his microphone reportedly being muted, the former Edo State governor continued shouting “point of order,” leading to a tense exchange on the chamber floor.
Senate Chief Whip reportedly attempted to restore order but failed as tempers escalated.
Akpabio later warned Oshiomhole during the confrontation, saying the Senate could invoke its rules against any lawmaker considered unruly.
Lawmakers later argued that aspects of the amendment could conflict with constitutional provisions and established parliamentary practices.
While presenting the motion to rescind the amendment, Bamidele explained that further constitutional and legislative reviews revealed possible inconsistencies in the new provisions.
He stressed that the Senate retained the authority to revisit and reverse previous decisions in order to protect the integrity of its legislative process.
The reversal is expected to reopen the contest for key leadership positions in the Senate ahead of the 2027 political season, with more lawmakers now eligible to seek principal offices.
