Oshiomhole Speaks on Rumoured Plan to Replace Akpabio as Senate President

Oshiomhole Speaks on Rumoured Plan to Replace Akpabio as Senate President

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed growing speculations linking him to a possible move to become Nigeria’s next Senate President, insisting that his immediate political priority is securing re-election into the National Assembly.

The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday while reacting to claims that he could be positioning himself to eventually replace current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The speculation has intensified in recent weeks amid growing political discussions surrounding the future leadership structure of the Senate ahead of the next election cycle.

However, Oshiomhole said conversations about the Senate presidency are premature because his current tenure as senator representing Edo North is about to expire.

According to him, it would be politically irresponsible and disrespectful to assume victory before going through the democratic process.

“When? Have I been elected yet?” the former Edo governor asked during the live interview.

The senator explained that he had only just begun the process of seeking another term in the Senate and warned against taking the support of voters in Edo North for granted.

Drawing an analogy from family upbringing, Oshiomhole said his parents taught him never to pray for a child before marriage, stressing that political ambitions must follow due process rather than assumptions.

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“My current tenure will end at the end of this session, around June 12 or 13. I have applied for renewal and gone through screening, but I still have to contest the primary election,” he said.

The lawmaker disclosed that he had already undergone screening ahead of the APC primaries but noted that several political hurdles still lie ahead before any future office could even become a discussion.

According to him, winning the APC primary election remains his immediate challenge before thinking about the general election, let alone aspiring to lead the Senate.

“I think we should take it step by step,” he stated. “Right now, my current mandate is about to expire, and I’m working hard to get a renewal of that mandate. I will not join in playing God.”

The former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president added that only politicians who overestimate themselves or ignore humility begin projecting themselves into offices they have not yet earned through elections.

Although there has been no official indication that Godswill Akpabio’s seat is under threat, several names have surfaced in recent political conversations as possible contenders should changes occur in the Senate leadership after future elections.

Political observers believe the rumours surrounding Oshiomhole may be connected to his growing influence within the Senate and his outspoken role on national issues since returning to the National Assembly in 2023.

Since his election into the Senate, the former labour leader has remained one of the most vocal lawmakers in the Red Chamber, frequently speaking on economic reforms, governance, labour matters, fuel subsidy removal, and internal APC affairs.

His latest remarks have since generated reactions across political circles and social media, with some supporters interpreting the “step by step” comment as a cautious political response, while others believe it leaves room for future ambition if circumstances change.

Despite the speculation, Oshiomhole maintained that his immediate focus remains retaining the trust and mandate of the people of Edo North.

Neither the Senate leadership nor the APC hierarchy has officially reacted to the speculation as of the time of filing this report.

Oshiomhole Speaks on Rumoured Plan to Replace Akpabio as Senate President