The Nigerian Senate has amended its standing rules, effectively limiting the chances of incoming senators-elect in the 11th National Assembly from contesting key leadership positions.
The amendment, adopted during plenary after a closed-door session, revises Orders Four and Five to prioritise ranking and legislative experience in the selection of presiding and principal officers.
Under the new provisions, only senators with prior experience including former Senate leaders, principal officers, or those who have served at least one full term will be considered for top positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
Additionally, the revised Order Five stipulates that a senator must have served at least two consecutive terms to be eligible for principal offices like Senate Leader, Chief Whip, and Minority Leader.
The changes effectively exclude first-time lawmakers and those who were not members of the ninth and tenth Senates from contesting these influential roles in the incoming assembly.
Observers say the move reinforces the Senate’s long-standing tradition of ranking, where experience plays a decisive role in leadership selection, but it has also raised concerns about limiting opportunities for new entrants.
The development comes as political stakeholders begin positioning for leadership contests ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly.
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