The incident followed the Senate’s decision to reverse amendments to its Standing Orders, a move that reopened competition for key leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly, including the Senate Presidency race ahead of 2027. The reversal, backed by a motion sponsored by Bamidele, removed earlier restrictions that had limited eligibility for the top seat.

The development effectively paved the way for lawmakers such as Hope Uzodimma, Adams Oshiomhole, and others to contest for Senate President in 2027.

Shortly after the reversal, Oshiomhole called for more thorough debate on key decisions, arguing that the amendment process earlier passed on Tuesday was rushed.

However, his remarks were challenged by Bamidele, who raised a point of order and described the comments as unnecessary. The Senate Leader said lawmakers were all present during the proceedings and witnessed what he termed avoidable drama.

He advised Oshiomhole to channel any concerns through proper leadership channels instead of disrupting plenary sessions, stressing that the Senate would not tolerate conduct that undermines its proceedings.

“We were all in the chamber and witnessed the kind of drama that went on even though it was totally unnecessary,” Bamidele said.

He further warned that such incidents were projecting a negative image of the National Assembly and must be avoided going forward.

Citing Order 52(6) of the Senate Rules, Bamidele explained that any previously decided matter could only be revisited through a formal motion for rescission.

He added that if Oshiomhole had issues with the amendment, the proper procedure was to file a substantive motion rather than raise objections during plenary.

“We cannot allow this kind of drama to go on every time on the floor of this Senate. We must put a stop to it,” he stated.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin upheld the point of order raised by the Senate Leader.

The suit was filed by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who is asking the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible to run for the office of President again.

On April 28, Justice Peter Lifu directed that hearing notices be served on all defendants, who were yet to file their responses in the case.

In his application, Jideobi is also seeking an order restraining Jonathan from offering himself to any political party as a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election. He further wants the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate.

Jonathan is listed as the first defendant in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, while INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are joined as second and third defendants.

The plaintiff is asking the court to interpret whether, in line with Sections 1(1), (2), and (3) as well as 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan is still eligible to contest for the presidency under any circumstance.

He argued that Jonathan has already reached the constitutional limit, having completed the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before serving a full term after winning the 2011 election.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Emmanuel Agida stated that Jonathan assumed office on May 6, 2010, following Yar’Adua’s death, and later completed a full elected term.

He added that concerns over Jonathan’s alleged interest in the 2027 election prompted the legal action.

The affidavit further stated that allowing Jonathan to contest again would amount to a third presidential oath of office if he were to win.

According to the plaintiff, the case is being pursued in the public interest to uphold constitutional provisions and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.