The House of Representatives has approved a new interpretation of its rules that bars first-term lawmakers from occupying principal leadership positions in the green chamber.
The decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary after members unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
At the centre of the resolution is Order 7, Rule 15 of the House Standing Orders, which states that only members with “cognate legislative experience” are eligible for appointment as principal officers. Lawmakers moved to formally define what qualifies as such experience.
Presenting the motion, Benson argued that established parliamentary democracies reserve leadership roles for legislators with prior experience. He said the practice helps preserve institutional memory, strengthens legislative competence, and improves lawmakers’ understanding of parliamentary procedures and governance.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker pointed to a recent amendment by the Senate, which clarified that leadership positions should be restricted to senators who have completed at least one full term in office.
He maintained that prioritising experienced legislators would promote continuity, strengthen parliamentary stability, reduce unnecessary disruptions, and enhance Nigeria’s representation in international parliamentary engagements.
After Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote, lawmakers unanimously endorsed it. The House subsequently defined “cognate legislative experience” as having completed at least one full four-year term as a member of the House of Representatives.
The resolution immediately excludes all first-term lawmakers from consideration for principal offices, including positions such as Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Chief Whip, and other key leadership roles within the chamber.
One of the most notable casualties of the new rule is Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State under the Action People’s Party (APP).
Ugochinyere had recently emerged as a contender for the position of Minority Leader after some opposition lawmakers nominated him to replace Kingsley Chinda, who vacated the role following his emergence as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State.
The leadership contest has, however, been marred by controversy. Philip Agbese, Deputy House Spokesperson and a member of the Labour Party, publicly denied endorsing Ugochinyere and alleged that his signature was forged on a document backing the Imo lawmaker’s candidacy.
Ugochinyere rejected the allegation and later released a video which he said proved that Agbese personally signed the endorsement document.
With the House now formally restricting principal offices to returning members, the race for Minority Leader and other leadership positions is expected to be reshaped, leaving experienced lawmakers as the only eligible contenders.
