A dispute erupted on Tuesday between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over disagreement on an amended Senate Standing Rules.
The Senate adopted the rules during a closed-door session, as the changes are expected to shape leadership contests in the 11th Senate.
The Senate reviewed Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules, lawmakers aimed to tighten eligibility for principal offices. These include Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The chamber said it wants more stability in leadership. It also wants to reward experience.
However, the move triggered political tension within the chamber.
The amended Order 4 introduces a strict ranking system.
Senators must now follow this order for leadership nominations:
- Former Senate Presidents
- Former Deputy Senate Presidents
- Former principal officers
- Senators with at least one full term
- Former House of Representatives members
- First-time senators, only if others are absent
The Senate said ranking will guide all nominations. It said it will apply the rule strictly.
Order 5 adds another requirement. It blocks senators from contesting principal offices unless they served two consecutive terms.
This rule immediately affects first-term senators. It also affects lawmakers with interrupted service.
Many observers see this as a major shift in Senate politics.
The rule could affect several high-profile politicians planning Senate bids in 2027.
These include second-term governors such as:
- Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
- Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)
- Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)
- Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
- Dapo Abiodun (Ogun)
- Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara)
It also affects former senators like Hope Uzodimma and Kabiru Marafa. Oshiomhole, now serving his first term, also falls under the new restrictions.
During the closed session, Oshiomhole questioned the fairness of the amendments. He argued that the rules could limit competition.
Akpabio defended the changes. He said the Senate needs stronger institutional discipline.
The disagreement escalated into a heated exchange, sources said.
The Senate has adopted the amended rules for now. They will guide the next leadership cycle.
However, political debate is expected to continue. Stakeholders may push for further review before 2027.
The changes have already reshaped early power calculations in the National Assembly.
