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A lot of problems have happened in the Nigerian Senate over the years but the recent face-off between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole seem to carry more weight.
What began as an argument has escalated into a major issue in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
The rift between the two senators centres on Akpabio’s controversial amendment to the Senate Standing Rules regarding leadership eligibility following reports that the former Edo State governor is eyeing the Senate Presidency. This clash has split the Senate into factions over issues of legislative succession, internal discipline, and democratic participation.
However, the issue goes beyond that.
In May 2026, the Senate amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for top presiding offices- such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President- to ranking lawmakers with at least two consecutive terms. The amendment effectively bars first-term Senators and those without continuous experience from contesting for principal positions.
Akpabio and his supporters defend the rule change. They say it brings institutional stability, prevents political novices from taking over leadership roles, and fosters a seasoned administration.
Oshiomhole and other dissenting lawmakers strongly oppose the amendment. They argue it disenfranchises capable, experienced politicians (such as former governors) who may be in their first Senate term, arbitrarily limiting democratic participation.
The Succession Struggle: Many see the amendment as a strategic preemptive move by the Akpabio camp to lock in leadership of the 11th Senate and block rival contenders. In response, there’s growing speculation that aggrieved Northern Senators and Oshiomhole’s allies are pushing back and mobilizing to challenge or oust Akpabio.
The underlying tension exploded on the Senate floor when Akpabio ignored Oshiomhole’s repeated attempts to raise a point of order regarding the newly amended rules. The heated exchange saw microphones turned off and resulted in a roughly 10-15 minute disruption as Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno attempted to restore order.
We also gathered that, this issue became pronounced when Senate President Akpabio found out Oshiomhole has been planning to become the next Senate President come next year. Infact, he has been mobilizing other Senators for support.
Oshiomhole has dismissed rumors that he is actively lobbying to unseat the current Senate President. While he has previously acknowledged an ambition for the role, his focus, he says, is on securing his re-election in next year’s polls.
To vie for the Senate President position, candidates are now required to have served at least two consecutive terms in the Senate. Those are some of the new rules that Senator Oshiomohle finds offensive.
Because Senator Oshiomhole is serving his first term, this rule effectively precludes him (along with other first-termers) from contesting for the Senate Presidency.
This controversial rule triggered a heated clash on the Senate floor between Senator Oshiomhole and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Oshiomhole accused Akpabio of manipulating the rules for political convenience and self-preservation to prevent potential competitors from running.
Oshiomhole argued against tailoring rules to target specific individuals, claiming Akpabio himself served as a principal officer in his first term. He maintains that speculation about his Senate Presidency ambitions is premature, as he is currently focused on his legislative duties and eventual re-election.
Senator Godswill Akpabio has faced numerous allegations and controversies during his tenure as a lawmaker and Senate President. Critics have accused him of running the upper chamber like a personal empire, fast-tracking executive requests without proper scrutiny.
Former and sitting lawmakers have accused him of sidelining and victimizing vocal Senators. He drew heavy backlash for stifling debates on national hardship, threatening Senator Ali Ndume for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s policies, and sidelining ranking Senators during committee leadership appointments.
Critics allege that he selectively rewrites or violates Senate rules to target rivals and consolidate his grip on power. For instance, the summary suspension of certain Senators sparked major parliamentary unrest.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole sees himself as a more qualified person to lead the house.
As a former Governor of Edo State, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a highly vocal lawmaker, Oshiomhole views himself as highly qualified to lead the upper chamber.
Speculation from various APC chieftains and political commentators points to Oshiomhole as a key contender to potentially replace the current leadership in upcoming legislative sessions.
Isaac Abimbade
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