Nigeria’s Senate has reversed a controversial amendment to its standing rules that required senators-elect to take their oath of office before participating in the election of presiding officers.
The motion for rescission was sponsored by Opeyemi Bamidele, who said the clause could create constitutional inconsistencies with Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution.
According to the Senate, the decision was taken to ensure that parliamentary procedures remain consistent with constitutional provisions and legislative conventions.
The reversed amendment had earlier changed the traditional procedure by preventing senators-elect from voting for Senate leadership positions until after taking the oath of allegiance and oath of membership.
Under the now-rescinded orders 2(2) and 3(1), senators-elect were barred from participating in any Senate proceedings — including voting for the Senate President and Deputy Senate President — unless sworn in first.
With the reversal, the Senate has returned to the previous system where senators-elect can elect presiding officers before taking their oath of office.
Reacting during plenary, Adams Oshiomhole said the development showed the need for wider debate before passing amendments.
“This shows that when there are amendments, the next time, we should allow debate,” Oshiomhole said.
Oshiomhole had earlier clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the amendment.
Responding to the senator’s criticism, Bamidele accused Oshiomhole of creating unnecessary drama on the Senate floor, insisting that any objections should have been raised through a substantive motion.
The amendment had also introduced a new requirement limiting eligibility for Senate leadership positions to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination.
The move sparked speculation that it was aimed at preventing the return of former senators such as Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege from contesting for Senate President in 2027.
