A major power struggle is unfolding in the Senate following amendments to its standing rules, a move that could shape the leadership structure of the next National Assembly.
At the centre of the intrigue are Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and the senator representing Imo West, Osita Izunaso.
Also involved in the political calculations is former Edo State governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole.
On Tuesday, the Senate amended its standing rules to narrow eligibility for presiding and principal offices.
Under the revised rules, only senators with at least eight years of continuous service in the chamber can contest for the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The amendment also affects other key positions in the red chamber.
Order 4 provides that nomination for presiding offices must strictly follow ranking, including former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Senate Presidents, former principal officers, senators who have served at least one term, former members of the House of Representatives and first-time senators where others are unavailable.
Order 5 further states that no senator shall be eligible to contest for any principal office unless he has served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination.
The amendment effectively bars incoming senators in 2027 who were not members of both the 9th and 10th Senate from contesting for Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Minority Leader and other influential positions.
Before the amendment, any ranking senator who had spent at least four years in the National Assembly could contest for presiding offices.
That provision had kept the door open for returning political heavyweights expected to seek seats in 2027, including Uzodimma; former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
Insiders told TheCable that the amendment was less about parliamentary procedure and more about political calculation.
One source described it as a “pre-emptive strike against ambitious returnees, particularly Uzodimma.”
Uzodimma Eyes Senate Return
Uzodimma is said to be eyeing a return to the Senate in 2027.
Last week, APC stakeholders from Imo West Senatorial District purchased and presented the ruling party’s senatorial nomination and expression of interest forms to the governor, declaring him their preferred candidate.
The Imo APC has also endorsed him for the Senate seat.
Uzodimma represented Imo West from 2011 to 2019 before becoming governor in 2020 following a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha and declared him the winner of the governorship election.
That judgment altered Imo’s electoral calendar. Since Uzodimma was sworn in on January 15, 2020, months after governors were elected in the 2019 general election, the state became an off-cycle governorship state.
His second term, which began on January 15, 2024, is expected to end on January 15, 2028.
Placeholder Option Considered
The next National Assembly is expected to be inaugurated in June 2027, months before Uzodimma’s governorship tenure ends.
Insiders said the governor may consider installing a placeholder candidate for the Orlu Senate seat in 2027, a trusted ally who would temporarily occupy the position and vacate it after Uzodimma completes his tenure in January 2028.
Another option being considered, according to sources, is for the governor to resign before the end of his tenure and hand over to his deputy for the remaining months.
Such a move would affect Izunaso’s chances of returning to the Senate.
However, the new Senate rule appears to have blocked Uzodimma’s path to the Senate presidency, even if he eventually returns to the red chamber.
During deliberations on the amendment on Tuesday, the only resistance on the Senate floor reportedly came from Oshiomhole, whose own ambitions may also be affected by the new rule.
