Senate Tightens Rules, Restricts Ex-Governors, New Entrants From Leadership Positions

The Senate of Nigeria has adopted sweeping amendments to its Standing Orders, tightening eligibility requirements for principal leadership positions and limiting access for first-time senators, serving governors, and former lawmakers planning a return to the chamber.

The decision followed a closed-door session that lasted nearly three hours on Tuesday, after which lawmakers revised Orders 4 and 5 of the Senate rules. The amendments introduce stricter criteria for contesting top positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Majority Leader, and other principal offices.

Under the revised Order 4, the Senate introduced a structured ranking system to determine eligibility for presiding officers. Priority will now be given to former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Senate Presidents, former principal officers, senators who have served at least one full four-year term, and former members of the House of Representatives. First-time senators will only be considered where no qualified candidates exist within these categories.

Lawmakers backing the reform said the new hierarchy is designed to strengthen institutional memory and ensure that leadership roles are occupied by experienced legislators who are familiar with parliamentary procedures and responsibilities.

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The Senate also strengthened Order 5 by introducing a clause requiring senators to have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before becoming eligible to contest for principal offices. This means that first-term senators and those with interrupted legislative careers will no longer be eligible to run for key leadership positions.

The amendment further affects senators-elect who have not served in both the 9th and 10th National Assemblies, effectively excluding them from leadership contests in the upcoming 11th Senate.

The reforms come amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, as several state governors and political heavyweights prepare to move into the Senate after completing their tenure in executive office.

Analysts note that the changes appear targeted at a growing trend in which outgoing governors seek to immediately assume leadership positions upon entering the Senate, often based on political influence rather than legislative experience.

At least a dozen governors are expected to complete their second and final terms by 2027, while several former governors are also positioning themselves for Senate seats, increasing competition for future leadership roles.

The development is particularly significant as high-profile figures, including serving governors, are already engaging in early consultations and political alignments within their states, with party structures playing a decisive role in determining Senate nominations.

Although the rules do not mention specific individuals, political observers say the amendment could impact figures such as Hope Uzodimma, whose name has featured in discussions around possible Senate ambitions after his governorship tenure.

Other political actors with gubernatorial backgrounds are also expected to be affected by the new restrictions, especially those planning to enter the Senate for the first time after 2027.

Senate leadership maintains that the reforms are aimed at preserving institutional integrity and ensuring that leadership selection is guided by experience rather than external political influence.

However, critics argue that the changes could reduce opportunities for new entrants and concentrate leadership power among long-serving lawmakers.

The amendments also reflect broader political realignments within Nigeria’s political system, where party structures and executive influence continue to shape legislative dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.

As preparations intensify for the next electoral cycle, the revised Senate rules are expected to significantly reshape leadership contests, narrowing eligibility to a smaller pool of experienced legislators.

Senate Tightens Rules, Restricts Ex-Governors, New Entrants From Leadership Positions

LG Autonomy: S’Court Judgment Still Ignored Nearly Two Years After Ruling — NULGE

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)), Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, has raised fresh concerns over the continued non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, nearly two years after the landmark ruling.

Kankara made the remarks during the International Workers’ Day celebrations held last weekend, stressing that despite the July 2024 Supreme Court decision affirming that local governments should receive allocations directly from the Federation Account, there has been no effective implementation framework from the Federal Government.

The NULGE president said the situation remains unchanged, noting that the ruling clearly established local government financial autonomy, but the administrative structures required to implement it have not been activated. He expressed frustration over what he described as continued inaction, insisting that the judgment remains largely unfulfilled on the ground despite being the law of the land. The Supreme Court ruling had directed that allocations should no longer pass through state joint accounts but instead be paid directly to local government councils to strengthen grassroots governance and accountability.

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Kankara specifically faulted the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for failing to issue operational guidelines needed to implement the judgment. He said repeated engagements with both institutions have produced no tangible results, alleging that officials have repeatedly relied on excuses rather than taking action to enforce compliance. According to him, claims that local governments have failed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are misleading, insisting that no official directive or circular has been issued to that effect. He stressed that such a circular is necessary for councils to open accounts and begin receiving funds directly, as required by the Supreme Court ruling.

Kankara called on relevant federal authorities to urgently issue clear circulars and guidelines to both local governments and the CBN to enable full implementation of the judgment. He emphasized that the process is straightforward and only requires political will and administrative coordination to activate direct allocation payments to local councils.

Despite delays, the NULGE president said the union remains committed to sustained advocacy for local government autonomy, warning that patience may not be indefinite. He hinted at possible industrial action if the situation persists, noting that the union’s “struggle continues” stance reflects its readiness to escalate pressure through appropriate labour channels. Kankara also confirmed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)) is supporting the push for full implementation of local government autonomy, describing the backing as strong and consistent.

He further explained that NULGE itself cannot return to court to enforce compliance, noting that only the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has the legal standing to initiate further judicial action. According to him, consultations are ongoing with ALGON to ensure coordinated action on the matter.

Kankara also dismissed claims that local governments are already receiving direct allocations nationwide, describing such reports as inaccurate. He maintained that most states are still operating under the existing framework, with only isolated exceptions being reported.

LG Autonomy: S’Court Judgment Still Ignored Nearly Two Years After Ruling — NULGE

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations

The first batch of pilgrims from Ogun State has successfully arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations from the state and the debut of international flights at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo.

The pilgrims, numbering 345, departed Nigeria on Sunday night aboard a direct flight from the newly inaugurated airport and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, in the early hours of Monday.

Officials disclosed that the contingent comprised both male and female pilgrims, alongside members of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who are overseeing their welfare throughout the pilgrimage.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by Saudi authorities and subsequently transported to Medina, where they are expected to commence their spiritual activities ahead of the main Hajj rites in Makkah.

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The development represents a significant milestone for Ogun State, as the Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight since its commissioning in April 2026. The airport’s utilisation as a Hajj departure centre followed its approval by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), positioning it as a key hub for pilgrimage operations in the South-West region.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the successful airlift as a landmark achievement for the state’s aviation and infrastructure development, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities and improving connectivity.

He added that the direct international operation would not only ease the burden on traditional departure centres such as Lagos and Abuja but also stimulate local economic growth through increased aviation activities.

The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board assured that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure the comfort, safety and proper coordination of all pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 Hajj airlift exercise is being coordinated nationwide by NAHCON, with several states participating in the phased transportation of intending pilgrims to the Holy Land.

The successful take-off from Gateway International Airport is widely seen as a step forward in decentralising Hajj operations in Nigeria while enhancing regional access to international travel.

First Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport Begins Hajj Operations