By Abba -Eku Onyekachukwu
Abuja
A heated disagreement broke out in the Senate on Tuesday between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole over amendments to the Senate Standing Rules that could shape the 2027 Senate presidency contest.
The controversy stemmed from changes to Order 2 (3), (4) and (5), which introduced stricter eligibility requirements for senators seeking election as Senate President and other principal offices.
Under the revised rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination, or those who have previously held principal officer positions, will be eligible to contest.
The provision effectively bars first-term senators and those without prior leadership experience in the chamber — a category that includes Oshiomhole.
Raising objections during plenary, Oshiomhole argued that the amendment threatens inclusiveness and restricts the democratic rights of lawmakers. He said “the Senate must not create rules that shut out capable members from aspiring to leadership positions,” stressing that competence should take precedence over tenure.
Akpabio defended the changes, stating they were necessary to ensure institutional stability and experienced leadership. “The Senate, like any serious institution, must be guided by rules that promote continuity, order and competence in its leadership structure,” he said.
The amended rules also require that candidates for Senate President and Deputy Senate President must have completed at least one full four-year term, while reinforcing a ranking system that prioritizes former presiding and principal officers.
Despite Oshiomhole’s repeated shouts of “Point of Order” during the voice vote, Akpabio proceeded with the adoption. Oshiomhole was the only senator to vote against the amendment. In a related move, the Senate also extended its legislative calendar from three to five days a week, with committee meetings now scheduled for Fridays between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to improve efficiency.
