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Senate Drama: Oshiomhole Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Leadership Rule Clash

Written by

Promise Odejide

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There was fresh drama in the Senate after Senator Adams Oshiomhole publicly called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a heated clash over controversial amendments to the Senate Standing Rules.

The confrontation, which unfolded during plenary on May 6, 2026, exposed growing tensions within the Red Chamber ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Controversial amendment sparks uproar

The crisis began after the Senate amended portions of its Standing Orders, particularly Orders 4 and 5, to tighten eligibility for key leadership positions.

Under the amendment, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before an election would qualify to contest for positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal offices.

The move effectively shut out first-term lawmakers and several incoming politicians believed to be eyeing leadership positions in the proposed 11th Senate.

Critics within the chamber reportedly viewed the amendment as an attempt to protect certain political interests ahead of 2027.

Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash during plenary

Tension escalated when Oshiomhole repeatedly raised a point of order during the adoption of votes and proceedings, insisting that the records did not accurately reflect agreements reached during a closed-door session.

Akpabio ruled him out of order, switched off his microphone and warned him against disrupting proceedings.

“Senator Oshiomhole, for the last time, if you become unruly in this Senate, we will use the same rules to remove you from the Senate,” Akpabio reportedly said.

Despite the warning, Oshiomhole persisted, leading to a tense exchange before other lawmakers intervened.

Oshiomhole attacks Akpabio’s leadership

Speaking after plenary, Oshiomhole criticised Akpabio’s handling of the amendment process and accused him of running the Senate in an autocratic manner.

The former Edo State governor reportedly called on Akpabio to resign, describing the process that led to the amendment as flawed and rushed.

He also argued that lawmakers were denied the opportunity for extensive debate before the controversial changes were adopted.

Senate reverses amendment

Amid mounting backlash and constitutional concerns, the Senate later rescinded the controversial amendment and reverted to the previous rules.

Lawmakers argued that parts of the new provisions could conflict with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 52.

The development has further highlighted growing political tensions within the ruling APC and renewed speculation over succession battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

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