The Nigerian Senate has approved a new resolution guiding the swearing-in of senators and the process for electing principal officers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution, passed on Monday, May 11, 2026, explained that any Senator-elect who is unable to take the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Membership during the first sitting of the Senate can still be sworn in later by the President of the Senate at another sitting.
However, the Senate also stated that if a Senator-elect fails or is unable to take the oath within the required period, the upper chamber may declare the seat vacant in line with the Constitution and inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a fresh election in the affected senatorial district.
According to the resolution, every Senator-elect must present a writ of election and proof of declaration of assets and liabilities before the Clerk of the Senate during the confirmation process.
On the election of Senate leaders, the resolution stated that a Senator-elect can participate in the election of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President even before taking the constitutional oath.
The Senate also stressed that the nomination of presiding officers must follow the ranking of senators. Priority will first go to senators returning based on the number of times they have been re-elected, followed by former members of the House of Representatives, while first-time senators will come last in the order.
The resolution further noted that the appointment of committee chairmen and members must reflect the country’s six geopolitical zones to ensure fairness and avoid domination by a few regions.
On eligibility, the Senate ruled that any senator seeking to contest for a presiding office must have served at least two full terms of eight years in the Senate, with one of the terms immediately before the election.
It also stated that a senator cannot be appointed as a principal officer unless he or she has completed at least one term of four years in the Senate immediately before the appointment.
