Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

The Nigerian Senate crisis deepened on Wednesday after a heated confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole disrupted plenary proceedings for over 15 minutes.

The tense exchange occurred during the routine consideration of the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting. Trouble began when Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) abruptly raised a point of order while Akpabio was reading the official record.

Citing the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Akpabio ruled him out of order, explaining that such interruptions are not permitted at that stage of proceedings. However, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard, challenging the interpretation of the rules and triggering a Senate plenary disruption.

In a bid to restore order, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu to clarify the procedural position. Kalu backed the Senate President, stating that the rules clearly prohibit such interruptions.

The situation escalated further when Chief Whip Tahir Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be invoked if the disruption continued. Despite this, Oshiomhole remained defiant, citing Order 20(f) and stressing that lawmakers must fully understand the rules guiding legislative business.

A visibly displeased Akpabio issued a stern warning, stating, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” before cautioning that the Senate would not hesitate to enforce discipline if necessary.

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Calm was eventually restored, allowing the Senate President to complete the reading. Senator Adamu Aliero subsequently moved a motion for adoption, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The confrontation is widely linked to the controversial Senate rule amendment adopted a day earlier, which has sparked intense debate within Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections. During a closed-door session lasting nearly three hours, lawmakers amended key provisions—Orders 4 and 5—effectively tightening eligibility criteria for leadership positions in the National Assembly.

Under the revised rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination will be eligible to contest for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President. This new Senate eligibility rule significantly narrows the pool of contenders.

The amendment also reinforces the principle of ranking, prioritising former presiding officers and experienced lawmakers over first-time entrants. Additionally, Order 5 now requires that any senator seeking a principal office must have completed two consecutive terms prior to nomination.

The implication is clear: only returning members of the current Senate who secure re-election into the next Assembly will qualify for top leadership roles, effectively excluding many new and returning political heavyweights.

The Nigeria Senate controversy has raised concerns about inclusiveness and internal democracy. While Senate leadership argues the changes will strengthen institutional memory and ensure stability, critics believe the move could consolidate power among a select group of ranking lawmakers.

Oshiomhole is reported to have been among the few senators who openly resisted the amendments, making Wednesday’s clash a continuation of deeper disagreements within the chamber.

Observers say the incident signals early 2027 election power struggle dynamics, with growing tensions over succession, leadership control, and legislative procedure already playing out in the Red Chamber. As debates continue, the episode underscores broader concerns about transparency, fairness, and the balance of power in Nigeria’s legislative process.

Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments