The Nigerian Senate has amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for key leadership positions to lawmakers with at least two consecutive terms in office.
The amendment, adopted on Tuesday through a voice vote presided over by Godswill Akpabio, introduces stricter criteria for those seeking to occupy presiding and principal offices in the chamber.
Under the revised provisions, only senators who have served a minimum of eight uninterrupted years are now eligible to contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The decision follows a closed-door session that reportedly lasted about three hours, amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rule change is widely seen as significant, particularly against the backdrop of speculation that former lawmakers such as Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ovie Omo-Agege may seek a return to the red chamber and potentially vie for its top leadership.
In addition, the Senate amended Orders 4 and 5 to further refine the process for selecting leaders. The updated rules stipulate that nominations for presiding offices must strictly adhere to ranking within the chamber.
The ranking hierarchy now prioritises former Senate Presidents, Deputy Senate Presidents, and other principal officers, followed by returning senators, former members of the House of Representatives, and, where necessary, first-time lawmakers.
