The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a formal interpretation of its Standing Orders defining “cognate legislative experience” as the completion of at least one full four-year term in the National Assembly, effectively ruling out first-term lawmakers from occupying principal offices.
The resolution, passed during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, has significant implications for the ongoing contest for the position of Minority Leader, a seat that became vacant following the exit of Kingsley Chinda.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, where he noted that while the House Rules stipulate that only members with cognate legislative experience are eligible for appointment as principal officers, the term had not previously been clearly defined.
He argued that parliamentary democracies typically reserve leadership positions for experienced legislators to strengthen institutional memory, enhance legislative competence, and ensure stability in parliamentary operations.
Benson also cited global legislative practice, which generally discourages the appointment of first-term lawmakers to principal offices due to the complexity of parliamentary procedures and responsibilities.
The motion, seconded by Peter Uzokwe, representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, was overwhelmingly adopted by members.
Following its passage, the House resolved that cognate legislative experience, under Order Seven, Rule 15 of its Standing Orders, shall mean membership of the House of Representatives for at least one full term.
Lawmakers further stated that no alternative interpretation of the term would be recognised beyond the definition adopted by the chamber.
However, shortly after the resolution, Solomon Bob, representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency of Rivers State, raised concerns that the interpretation could potentially limit the Speaker’s discretion in interpreting House rules.
Responding, Speaker Abbas acknowledged the concern but maintained that the House retained the collective authority to define and interpret its Standing Orders.
The development is expected to affect emerging leadership contests, including the race for Minority Leader, where first-term lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere had recently secured endorsement from a group of opposition legislators.
With the new interpretation in place, attention is likely to shift toward more experienced lawmakers who meet the newly affirmed eligibility requirement, potentially reshaping the leadership structure within the House minority caucus.
