Nigerian Senate Reverses Leadership Eligibility Amendment

The Nigerian Senate has officially reversed an amendment to its standing orders that previously limited eligibility for leadership positions within the Senate. This reversal allows senators to contest for principal offices even after serving two terms.

The motion for this reversal was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) during a plenary session, and it was adopted by the Senate. The decision came amid tensions involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adam Oshiomhole, who raised a point of order regarding the amendment during proceedings.

The Senate's previous amendment had disqualified senators from vying for principal positions after completing two terms, but the new ruling reinstates their eligibility. This significant change in the Senate's rules was finalized on a Tuesday session, marking a notable shift in the legislative body's leadership dynamics.