With less than a year until the 11th National Assembly is inaugurated, the Senate moved on Tuesday to tighten its internal regulations.
The changes effectively block incoming lawmakers—including powerful sitting governors and former senators—from immediately seizing the chamber’s most influential leadership positions.
Following a three-hour closed-door session, the Senate amended Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules. These updates restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to “ranking lawmakers” with specific, continuous legislative experience.
Under the Revised Order 4, the Senate established a strict “order of ranking” for nominating presiding officers, which must be “strictly adhered to.”
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The hierarchy is as follows:
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Former Senate Presidents
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Former Deputy Senate Presidents
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Former Principal Officers of the Senate
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Senators who have served at least one full four-year term
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Senators who were previously members of the House of Representatives
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First-time senators (only if no one from categories i to v is available)
The Senate introduced an even tougher restriction in Order 5 for principal offices (such as Senate Leader or Chief Whip). The new rule states:“Any senator shall not be eligible to contest for any principal office of the Senate unless he has served as a senator for at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination.”
This means any senator-elect who did not serve in both the 9th and 10th National Assemblies will be disqualified from these key roles in the 11th Assembly.
The move is largely seen as a defensive strike against outgoing governors. Currently, at least 12 of Nigeria’s 36 governors are finishing their final terms, with 10 expected to exit by May 29, 2027.
Many, such as Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Babagana Zulum (Borno), are reportedly eyeing Senate seats to maintain their political relevance.
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In Imo State, the tension is already high.APC leaders recently purchased the 2027 senatorial nomination form for Governor Hope Uzodimma, urging him to “accept the plea of Orlu people by filling the forms so that it can be submitted before the deadline of 5th May, 2026.”
This has set up a potential clash with incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso and former Governor Rochas Okorocha, who has also reportedly purchased forms.
The amendments come shortly after President Bola Tinubu reportedly refused to grant National Assembly leaders automatic return tickets, instead giving state governors more control over the selection of candidates.
By amending these rules now, the current Senate is ensuring that even if governors successfully use their influence to win seats, they cannot immediately take over the leadership.
