Fresh political manoeuvring appears underway in the Nigerian Senate as indications emerge that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, may have introduced new eligibility conditions that could reshape the race for leadership of the 11th National Assembly.
According to credible sources, Akpabio on Tuesday convened a closed-door meeting with selected senators, during which revised rules governing qualification for presiding offices were reportedly discussed and adopted.
The amended provision is said to require that only senators who have spent a minimum of eight years—equivalent to two terms—in the Senate will be eligible to contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
More significantly, the rule reportedly stipulates that one of those terms must be the immediate term preceding the election into the 11th Senate. In effect, only lawmakers currently serving in the 10th Assembly who secure re-election would qualify to contest for the top leadership positions.
If formally adopted and enforced, the development could effectively shut out several high-profile contenders.
Among those affected is Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who recently obtained nomination forms to contest the Imo West Senatorial District seat amid speculations of a Senate Presidency ambition. Uzodinma did not serve in the 10th Senate, placing him outside the new eligibility bracket.
Similarly, former Edo State Governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, may also be disqualified under the proposed rule, having served only one term in the Senate.
Sources further allege that following the meeting, Akpabio directed the Clerk of the National Assembly, Emmanuel Odo, to begin the process of updating the Senate Standing Orders to reflect the new criteria.
While there has been no official confirmation from the Senate leadership, the reported move is already generating debate within political circles, with analysts viewing it as a strategic effort to consolidate influence ahead of the leadership contest in the 11th Assembly.
