In a sudden U-turn, the Senate has cancelled its recent changes to the Standing Orders, a move that effectively reopens the floor for the 11th National Assembly’s leadership positions and clears the way for new challengers in the 2027 Senate Presidency race.
The policy reversal was prompted by a motion from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
He explained that the amendments made just 48 hours prior to Section 2, Subsection 2, and Section 3, Subsection 1, might lead to “constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions” if left as they were.
As a result of this change, all elected senators can now vote for presiding officers without first being required to take the Oath of Office and Allegiance.
The resolution was finalized during a session led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.
Previously, the rules had been tightened to ensure only senators-elect who had taken the oath found in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution could participate in voting for the Senate President and Deputy.
The session was not without friction. Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised a point of order to address a previous disagreement regarding the rights of lawmakers to speak freely, but he was shut down.
The Deputy Senate President “ruled him out of order,” declaring that the matter was settled.
Senate Leader Bamidele further cautioned Oshiomhole against continuing what he termed “drama” on the floor, reminding him that any further objections must be brought forward through a formal motion rather than through heated exchanges.
