Akpabio vs Oshiomole: Battle for next Senate presidency rocks Senate

SENATE President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday issued a stern warning to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, during plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja, threatening to have him removed over repeated disruptions.

The tension arose while the Senate was reviewing and approving Tuesday’s Votes and Proceedings, with disagreements centering on a contentious amendment to the chamber’s rules that would shape eligibility for key leadership roles in the 11th Senate.

Oshiomhole, who could be impacted by the proposed changes, repeatedly interrupted proceedings by raising ‘point of order’ in a bid to halt deliberations, prompting concern among lawmakers.

In response, Akpabio called on Orji Uzor Kalu to guide Oshiomhole on proper parliamentary conduct. Kalu described Oshiomhole’s behaviour as ‘tautological’ but did not elaborate further.

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Addressing the chamber, Akpabio stressed the importance of discipline and adherence to legislative rules, noting that every office holder must act in accordance with established procedures. He subsequently ruled Oshiomhole out of order.

Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole continued speaking from his seat and demanded recognition, drawing further intervention from Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, who cautioned him to comply or risk disciplinary action.

As the situation escalated, Akpabio intensified his warning, stating that any continued disorderly conduct would result in Oshiomhole being removed from the chamber.

Following the exchange, Oshiomhole eased his interruptions, allowing plenary to proceed without further disruption.

Backstory

The Senate on Tuesday revised its standing orders, introducing stricter eligibility criteria that will limit presiding and principal offices to lawmakers who have completed at least two consecutive terms.

The amendment was approved through a voice vote overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following deliberations by the upper chamber.

The move comes against the backdrop of growing speculation that former senators such as Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ovie Omo-Agege may be weighing a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 elections, including possible bids for the top legislative seat.

Oshiomole, too, will be ineligible to contest for the Senate presidency, which many say he is quietly eyeing. The former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman is a one-term senator and is “seriously affected by the rules,” said one federal lawmaker.

Under the new rules, only senators with a minimum of 8 uninterrupted years in the chamber can contest for the offices of Senate president and deputy Senate president.

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The changes followed a closed-door session that lasted nearly 3 hours, after which the Senate proceeded to amend Orders 4 and 5 to further narrow the pool of eligible candidates within the 11th national assembly.

Order 4 now mandates that nominations for presiding offices must strictly adhere to ranking. This ranking hierarchy includes former Senate presidents, former deputy Senate presidents, ex-principal officers, serving senators with at least one term, former members of the House of Representatives, and, where necessary, first-time lawmakers.