The Senate has reversed its recent amendment to the Standing Orders, a move that reopens the contest for key leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly and could pave the way for fresh contenders in the race for Senate President in 2027.
The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who explained that the amendments introduced two days earlier to Section 2(2) and Section 3(1) might, after further constitutional and legislative scrutiny, create constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions.
With the reversal, all duly elected senators are now eligible to participate in the election of presiding officers without first taking the Oath of Office and Allegiance.
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The resolution was adopted during plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.
Before the reversal, the Senate had amended its rules to stipulate that only senators-elect who had taken the oath prescribed in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution could participate in Senate proceedings, including voting in the election of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The development sparked mild tension in the chamber after Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised a point of order to clarify his earlier position — which had led to a disagreement with the Senate President on Wednesday — that lawmakers should not be prevented from expressing their views on issues before the Senate.
However, the Deputy Senate President ruled him out of order, saying the matter had already been resolved.
Bamidele also cited the Senate rules, insisting that any further concerns should be brought before the chamber through a substantive motion.
He further urged Oshiomhole not to continue what he described as “drama” on the Senate floor, in reference to the exchanges during the previous day’s proceedings.
