Nigeria’s Senate has amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms.

According to reports, the amendment was adopted on Tuesday through a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The revised rules require a minimum of eight years of continuous service for senators seeking the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The move follows a closed-door session lasting about three hours.

The development comes amid speculation that former senators, including Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege, may return to the chamber and contest for leadership roles in 2027.

Amendments to Orders 4 and 5 now enforce stricter ranking criteria. Only senators with at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination can contest for principal offices, effectively excluding new entrants in the 11th National Assembly.

Presiding offices affected include Senate President and Deputy Senate President, while principal offices cover roles such as Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Minority Leader, and their deputies.

During the session, Adams Oshiomhole emerged as the sole dissenting voice, objecting to the adoption of the resolutions and claiming they differed from earlier agreements.

Before the amendment, eligibility for presiding offices required only one term (four years) as a ranking senator.

Additional procedural changes were also introduced. Committee meetings are now scheduled between 3 pm and 6 pm, while plenary sessions will hold from 11 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays. Other revisions address conduct during plenary, committee membership limits, and oversight functions, including regional development commissions.

The Senate Clerk, Emmanuel Odo, has been directed to update the rule book to reflect the changes.