The Senate has rescinded its controversial amendment that barred first-term senators from contesting for principal offices, clearing the way for all elected lawmakers to participate in the race for Senate President and Deputy Senate President in the 11th National Assembly.
The decision followed widespread criticism and concerns that the amendment contradicted provisions of the 1999 Constitution by restricting eligibility to ranking senators alone.
The reversal was approved during plenary after a motion moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.
Lawmakers adopted the motion through a voice vote, effectively nullifying changes earlier introduced to Orders 2(2) and 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023.
The now-reversed amendment had been passed following an executive session earlier in the week and sought to limit contests for Senate leadership positions to lawmakers returning from the 10th Assembly, excluding newly elected senators.
Explaining the decision to reverse the rule, Bamidele said fresh constitutional and legislative reviews revealed potential legal inconsistencies in the amendment.
He noted that the Constitution grants senators-elect the right to participate in the election of presiding officers before taking their oaths of office, making the restriction difficult to defend legally.
“Upon further legislative and constitutional review, certain provisions introduced under Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies,” Bamidele stated during plenary.
Sources within the National Assembly disclosed that pressure from political stakeholders, legal experts, and party leaders contributed to the Senate’s decision to revisit the issue.
Deputy Senate President Barau described the move as necessary to ensure Senate rules remain consistent with constitutional provisions, while also commending the leadership for acting swiftly.
Political observers say the development could reshape the contest for the leadership of the next Senate by creating a broader and more competitive field among lawmakers.
Reacting shortly after the reversal, Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticized the handling of the initial amendment, stressing the need for wider consultation before making sensitive changes to parliamentary rules.
In response, Bamidele faulted what he called unnecessary controversy surrounding the matter and warned against actions capable of tarnishing the image of the Senate.
