Senate Reverses Decision on Leadership Eligibility Rules

The Senate has rescinded its earlier decision on amendments to its Standing Orders that sought to restrict eligibility for presiding offices in the upper chamber, effectively reopening the contest for Senate President and Deputy Senate President positions in the 11th National Assembly.

The reversal followed a motion moved on Thursday by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and presided over by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubril Barau.

Lawmakers had earlier, on Tuesday, introduced amendments limiting eligibility for top Senate leadership positions to returning ranking members, including former presiding officers, principal officers, and senators with at least one term experience.

However, Bamidele, in his motion, said further legislative and constitutional review showed that the earlier provisions could conflict with sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), particularly Section 52.

He added that the Senate has the authority to revisit and correct its rules in line with constitutional provisions and parliamentary practice.

With the latest resolution, all elected senators are now eligible to contest for leadership positions, irrespective of tenure or previous legislative experience.

The Senate also recommitted the National Identity Management Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2026, to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

Source: Vanguard News (Henry Umoru)