The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a formal interpretation of its Standing Orders defining "cognate legislative experience" as the completion of at least one full four-year term in the National Assembly, a move that has effectively ruled out first-term lawmakers from occupying principal offices.

Ikenga Ugochinyere's bid for House Minority Leader ends as Reps define 'cognate legislative experience,' effectively disqualifying first-term lawmakers.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a formal interpretation of its Standing Orders defining "cognate legislative experience" as the completion of at least one full…