Nigerian Senate Reverses Amendment on Leadership Eligibility

The Nigerian Senate has reversed an amendment to its Standing Rules that previously restricted eligibility for principal offices to senators who had served two terms. This decision was made during a session on Tuesday, following a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and adopted with the support of Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.

The amendment had blocked new entrants from contesting for principal offices, including the Senate presidency, which led to a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adam Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole raised a point of order during the proceedings, citing the 2023 Standing Rules that prohibit points of order during the voting stage.

The reversal allows for a more inclusive contest for leadership roles within the 11th National Assembly.