The Nigerian Senate has amended its standing orders to restrict eligibility for the office of Senate President and other principal positions to members of the current 10th National Assembly.
The decision was taken after a closed-door session on Tuesday, with lawmakers agreeing on new criteria to reinforce parliamentary ranking and experience.
Under the revised rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms, with one term being the immediate one preceding nomination, will be eligible to contest for presiding offices in the 11th National Assembly in 2027.
The amended Order 4 outlines a strict ranking hierarchy, giving priority to former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Presidents, former principal officers, and senators with at least one four-year term.
The amendment effectively bars first-time senators and returning politicians outside the 10th Assembly from vying for leadership roles. It also blocks state governors completing their second terms in 2027 from contesting for the Senate presidency unless they have served two consecutive terms in the Senate immediately before.
Senate leaders said the move is aimed at strengthening adherence to the tradition of ranking and ensuring institutional stability within the upper chamber.
