Nigerian Senate Amends Standing Rules, Restricts Senate Presidency and Deputy Contest to Experienced Senators

The Nigerian Senate has recently made amendments to its standing rules that could reshape the landscape of its leadership. The revised rules now dictate that to be eligible to vie for the esteemed position of Senate President or Deputy Senate President, a senator must have previously served a term in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

These pivotal changes were officially passed during a plenary session held on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the Senate’s procedures. However, this amendment has stirred a considerable amount of controversy, with critics arguing that it may run afoul of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 47 to 52, and more specifically, Section 50(1)(a), which unequivocally states: “There shall be a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of the house from among themselves…”

Notably, this amendment comes on the heels of Godwill Akpabio’s election as Senate President in June 2023. Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, emerged as the favored candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a closely watched vote, Akpabio secured 63 votes, triumphing over the former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazeez Yari, who garnered 46 votes.