Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) engaged in a heated confrontation on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the Senate amended its standing rules to impose stricter eligibility criteria for key leadership positions.
The clash erupted during plenary when Akpabio began reading the Votes and Proceedings of the previous day’s sitting. Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order, but Akpabio quickly reminded him that Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) do not permit such interventions at that stage.
When Oshiomhole persisted, Akpabio asked former Chief Whip Senator Orji Kalu to clarify the rule. Kalu confirmed that points of order are not allowed during consideration of the Votes and Proceedings. Senate Whip Senator Tahir Monguno also warned Oshiomhole against disrupting proceedings, hinting at possible disciplinary action.
The tense exchange, which halted proceedings for about 10 minutes, ended with Akpabio issuing a stern warning: “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.” Akpabio also urged senators to familiarise themselves with the rules, adding, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.”
The session later continued peacefully after Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
Background to the Tension
The confrontation is widely linked to the Senate’s amendment of its Standing Rules on Tuesday during a closed-door session. The upper chamber revised Orders 4 and 5, tightening eligibility for presiding and principal offices.
Under the new rules:
Only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination are eligible for presiding offices.
Nominations must strictly follow ranking, starting from former Senate Presidents down to qualifying second-term senators.
Similar two-term requirements now apply to principal offices.
The changes effectively bar first-term senators like Oshiomhole — and several incoming lawmakers, including some outgoing governors eyeing Senate seats ahead of 2027 — from contesting top leadership positions in the 11th Senate.
Oshiomhole had reportedly opposed the amendments during the voice vote on Tuesday. The development signals early manoeuvring for leadership in the next assembly, with the Akpabio-led Senate moving to consolidate experience-based leadership.
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