Nigeria's Senate has rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to allow President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek a third term in office.
Lawmakers threw out the measure in a voice vote Tuesday, prompting shouts and celebrations from senators opposed to the bill.
Senate President Ken Nnamani says the decision means the legislative body clearly wants to end further discussion of the bill.
A two-thirds vote in both houses of parliament is required to amend the constitution, which limits a president to two terms in office.
Critics of the bill have accused supporters of President Obasanjo of trying to bribe them to win approval of the measure. Government officials deny the allegations.
Mr. Obasanjo, who was first elected president in 1999, has not said publicly if he will seek a third term.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.