Abuja, Nigeria – May 7, 2026
In a major political twist, the Nigerian Senate has withdrawn the amendment it recently made to its Standing Orders, effectively throwing the leadership contest for the 11th National Assembly wide open once again.
The withdrawn amendment had imposed stricter eligibility rules that heavily favoured only serving senators who return after the 2027 elections, a move widely seen as designed to block strong external contenders like Imo State Governor **Hope Uzodimma** and other notable figures from contesting for Senate President and other top positions.
With the amendment now reversed, the battle for the Senate Presidency and other principal offices is back on, setting the stage for intense lobbying, zoning battles, and horse-trading within the APC and across political lines ahead of 2027.
More details are still emerging on why the amendment was suddenly withdrawn and what this means for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the current leadership structure.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
