Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Hours After New Senate Leadership Rules

Tension flared in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the lawmaker representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, engaged in a heated exchange barely a day after the upper chamber amended its rules on leadership eligibility.

The confrontation came during plenary when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while the Senate President called for confirmation of the previous day’s votes and proceedings. Despite repeated shouts of “point of order,” the former Edo governor was not recognised, with his microphone eventually switched off.

The development followed Tuesday’s amendment to the Senate’s standing orders, which now restricts presiding and principal offices to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms. The new requirement effectively sidelines first-term senators like Oshiomhole from contesting for top leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly.

As the situation escalated, Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno attempted to restore calm, directing Oshiomhole to resume his seat. The directive was ignored as the lawmaker continued to protest loudly on the floor.

Responding, Akpabio warned against disorderly conduct, citing the rules guiding proceedings in the chamber. He stressed that the Senate President is empowered to maintain order and interpret the rules when necessary.

“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber… are clearly defined,” Akpabio said. “The Senate President is tasked with maintaining order during debates and giving rulings on points of constitutional order if any member becomes unruly, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning.”

The disagreement shows growing unease over the newly adopted rules, which were passed after a closed-door session that lasted several hours. The amendment stipulates that only senators with a minimum of eight years of uninterrupted service can contest for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

Further tension arose when Senator Patrick Ndubueze raised concerns about what he described as an omission in the previous day’s proceedings, arguing that a resolution included in the record was neither debated nor adopted. His objection was dismissed by the Senate President, who proceeded to call for a voice vote.

Despite audible opposition, Akpabio ruled in favour of the “ayes,” affirming the adoption of the votes and proceedings.

The rule change is seen as a significant shift in the chamber’s power dynamics ahead of the 2027 leadership contest, amid speculation that former governors such as Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ovie Omo-Agege may be eyeing a return to the Senate.