The Nigerian Senate on Thursday reversed controversial amendments to its Standing Orders 2026 after lawmakers raised concerns that parts of the changes conflicted with the 1999 Constitution.
The decision came just days after the upper chamber amended sections of its rules, sparking heated debate and controversy among senators.
The reversal, however, drew criticism from Adams Oshiomhole, who called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign.
The amendments had generated intense political interest amid moves by several outgoing governors and influential politicians seeking senatorial seats ahead of the 2027 general elections. Many are reportedly positioning themselves for top leadership roles in the Senate, including Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
Among those linked to the race is Hope Uzodimma, whose second term as governor is expected to end in 2028. Political observers believe he may be interested in the Senate Presidency.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that a fresh constitutional review revealed inconsistencies between parts of the amended rules and Section 52 of the Constitution.
According to him, the Senate has the authority to revisit and reverse earlier decisions when necessary to protect the integrity of its legislative process.
The motion to rescind the amendments was seconded by Enyinnaya Abaribe and adopted by the chamber.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, said the move was necessary to ensure conformity with constitutional provisions.
Oshiomhole criticised the initial amendment process, accusing lawmakers of rushing the changes to satisfy vested interests. He argued that the amendments created what he described as a “moral crisis” within the Senate leadership.
The former Edo State governor claimed Akpabio would no longer meet the qualification requirements under the proposed framework because the new rules required senators seeking principal offices to have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination.
Oshiomhole also referenced former Senate President David Mark, arguing that the rules should not be changed for political convenience after previous leaders had benefited from existing arrangements.
The Senate later dismissed reports suggesting that the Presidency pressured lawmakers into reversing the amendments.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Adeniyi Adegbomire, clarified that the reversal followed internal reviews and concerns over constitutional implications.
He explained that one of the disputed provisions involved whether senators-elect must first be sworn in before participating in the election of Senate presiding officers.
Under the overturned amendments, the Senate had introduced stricter ranking and eligibility rules for leadership positions. The revised provisions prioritised former Senate leaders, principal officers, and lawmakers with previous legislative experience, while also requiring senators to have served two consecutive terms before contesting principal offices.
The rules would have prevented many first-time senators and non-consecutive lawmakers from contesting major leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly.
