News
Senate leadership tightens grip on positions
Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole and others hope of vying for top positions in the 11th Senate appears dashed.
This is as the Senate has amended its standing rules in a move that could significantly shape the leadership contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively restricting newly elected senators from vying for top positions in the 11th National Assembly.
The amendment, adopted on Tuesday after a closed-door session lasting about three hours, limits eligibility for the offices of Senate President and other principal positions to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms in the Senate.
Under the revised rules, only senators who were members of both the 9th and the current 10th Senate—and who secure re-election into the 11th Assembly—will qualify to contest for presiding and principal offices.
The development is widely seen as shutting out incoming senators in 2027, including political figures such as Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central), and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), among others, from contesting for Senate leadership roles.
The changes were effected through amendments to Orders 4 and 5 of the Senate Standing Rules.
Order 5 now stipulates that: “Any Senator shall not be eligible to contest for any Principal Office of the Senate unless he has served as a Senator for at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination.”
Similarly, the revised Order 4 reinforces the principle of ranking, stating that the nomination of presiding officers must strictly follow a hierarchy. This includes former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Senate Presidents, former principal officers, senators with at least one term of four years, former members of the House of Representatives, and, only in their absence, first-time senators.
The Senate said the amendment is aimed at strengthening adherence to parliamentary traditions, particularly the ranking system, which prioritizes experience in legislative leadership.
Presiding offices affected by the amendment include the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, while principal offices cover positions such as Senate Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip, and Deputy Minority Whip.
With the new rules in place, the path to Senate leadership in 2027 appears firmly tilted in favour of returning lawmakers with sustained legislative experience.
News
Two APC states reschedule governorship primaries
PRESS STATEMENT
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the rescheduling of its Governorship Primary Elections in Bauchi State and Kwara State to Friday, May 22, 2026.
In the same vein, the party has approved a new date for the State House of Assembly Primary Elections in Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies of Zamfara State, which will now hold on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The decision was ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC) after consultations with critical stakeholders as part of efforts to guarantee a transparent, peaceful, orderly, and credible primary election process.
The party reiterated its commitment to upholding internal democracy and ensuring the successful conduct of all primary elections ahead of the forthcoming polls.
Signed:
Felix Morka
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
News
Abia moves closer to energy independence
The Governor of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy independence and expanding access to reliable electricity across the state following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The governor disclosed this after receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, alongside members of her management team during a courtesy visit to his office.
During the meeting, the governor praised the successful revival of the Alaoji Power Plant in Aba, describing the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to guarantee stable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the state.
According to him, the restoration of operations at the plant represents a critical milestone in strengthening power generation and supporting industrial growth, particularly within the Aba economic corridor.
He revealed that the Alaoji Power Plant currently dispatches approximately 375 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, while expansion plans are already underway to increase output capacity to nearly 800 megawatts, with long-term projections targeting up to 1,100 megawatts.
The governor noted that electricity remains central to his administration’s broader economic transformation agenda, stressing that sustainable power supply is essential for industrialization, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and overall social development.
He explained that since assuming office, his government has implemented strategic reforms aimed at repositioning the power sector within the state. These reforms include the ring-fencing of the Aba industrial cluster to ensure more efficient electricity management and the ongoing process to acquire the Umuahia electricity axis of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
According to the governor, the measures are designed to place electricity generation, regulation, and distribution substantially under the control of the state government, thereby enabling faster decision-making and improved service delivery.
He expressed optimism that deeper collaboration between Abia State and NDPHC would make it possible to wheel electricity directly from the Alaoji facility to the remaining eight local government areas outside the Aba corridor.
The planned expansion, he said, would ensure that homes, schools, hospitals, and industries across the state gain access to reliable and affordable power supply.
The governor further emphasized that improved electricity infrastructure would significantly boost economic productivity, attract investors, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, he declared that Abia State is prepared to lead Nigeria’s push toward subnational energy independence through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and sector reforms.
He added that the state government remains committed to building a power ecosystem capable of driving industrial production, supporting innovation, and sustaining long-term prosperity for the people of Abia.
News
Obidient Movement ex mobilization director apologises to Obi, supporters
-
News9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Entertainment9 years agoThe final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
News9 years agoAccording to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Business9 years agoThe 9 worst mistakes you can ever make at work
-
Sports9 years agoPhillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
-
Entertainment9 years agoThe old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
Business9 years agoUber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Entertainment9 years agoMod turns ‘Counter-Strike’ into a ‘Tekken’ clone with fighting chickens
