The Senate on Thursday, May 7, 2026, reversed parts of its recently amended Standing Orders 2026 following concerns from lawmakers that some provisions were inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The decision came days after the upper chamber adopted the amendments, which had generated internal disagreements and criticism over their content and the manner in which they were passed.
Leading debate during plenary, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said a further constitutional and legislative review showed that provisions inserted under Order 2, Subsection 2 and Order 3, Subsection 1 could conflict with Section 52 of the Constitution.
He explained that while the Senate has the authority to regulate its internal procedures, such powers must still operate within constitutional limits to avoid inconsistencies in legislative practice.
Bamidele therefore moved for the rescission of the affected provisions, stressing the need to protect the integrity of the Senate’s rules and ensure full compliance with the Constitution.
READ ALSO:Â Senate Passes 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Streamlines Electoral Litigation
The motion was seconded by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South and subsequently adopted by the chamber.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, backed the decision, describing it as a necessary step to align the Standing Orders with constitutional provisions governing legislative procedure. He said the matter was straightforward and did not require extended debate.
However, Senator Adams Oshiomhole faulted the process that led to the earlier amendments, arguing that the Senate had rushed through the changes without adequate deliberation, a position that briefly generated exchanges on the floor.
In response, Senate Leader Bamidele cited relevant provisions of the Standing Orders, cautioning that issues already concluded can only be revisited through a formal motion for rescission properly placed before the chamber.
He also expressed concern that the controversy surrounding the amendments had overshadowed the Senate’s legislative work, warning against distractions that could derail parliamentary business.
The Senate Standing Orders 2026 provide the procedural framework guiding debates, motions, voting, and general conduct of proceedings in the upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.