Fresh controversy has engulfed the Senate after amendments to its Standing Orders restricted eligibility for presiding offices in the 11th National Assembly to returning ranking senators. The changes triggered constitutional debates, fierce clashes among lawmakers and accusations of political manipulation, despite the Senate’s partial reversal of controversial provisions on oath-taking procedures. Sunday Aborisade reports.
In one sweeping move, the Red Chamber amended its rules to effectively restrict eligibility for the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President in the incoming 11th National Assembly to senators who are currently serving in the 10th Senate and who would return in 2027 after completing at least two terms in office.
The amendment instantly triggered accusations of political exclusion, constitutional manipulation, institutional self-preservation and a deliberate attempt by entrenched forces within the Senate leadership to predetermine succession in the next Assembly.
Within 72 hours, the chamber descended into open confrontation, sharp exchanges, procedural reversals and unprecedented public criticism among ranking senators, exposing deep fractures within the institution.
