Fresh political tension is brewing within the Nigerian Senate following recent amendments to the chamber’s standing rules, a development believed to be shaping the contest for the leadership of the next National Assembly.
At the centre of the unfolding power play are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Senator Osita Izunaso, and former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The controversy followed Tuesday’s amendment of the Senate standing rules, which introduced stricter eligibility requirements for senators seeking presiding and principal offices.
Under the revised rules, only lawmakers who have served continuously in the Senate for at least eight years can contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The changes also extend to other principal offices in the red chamber.
According to the amended provisions, nominations for presiding positions must follow ranking order, including former Senate leaders, principal officers, senators with at least one term experience, former House of Representatives members, and first-time senators only when no higher-ranking lawmakers are available.
The new rules further state that senators must have completed at least two consecutive terms before becoming eligible to contest for principal offices such as Senate Leader, Chief Whip, and Minority Leader.
The amendment effectively shuts out incoming senators in 2027 who were not members of both the 9th and 10th Senate from vying for top leadership positions. Before the change, any ranking senator with at least four years in the National Assembly could contest for such offices.
The previous arrangement had left room for political heavyweights expected to return in 2027, including Uzodimma, former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.
Sources familiar with the matter reportedly claimed the amendment was driven more by political strategy than parliamentary reforms, with some describing it as a move aimed at blocking influential returnees, especially Uzodimma.
The Imo governor is believed to be considering a return to the Senate after completing his tenure as governor. Recently, stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo West reportedly endorsed him for the senatorial seat and presented him with nomination and expression of interest forms.
Uzodimma previously represented Imo West Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019 before emerging governor in 2020 following a Supreme Court judgment that removed Emeka Ihedioha from office.
With his second term expected to end in January 2028, insiders claim options being considered include installing a placeholder candidate for the Senate seat pending the completion of his tenure, or resigning early to allow his deputy take over.
However, the newly amended Senate rules appear to have complicated any possible ambition for the Senate presidency. Reports also suggest that Oshiomhole was among the few lawmakers who opposed the amendment during deliberations, as the new requirements may equally affect his political calculations.