Tension flared in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a sharp confrontation, barely a day after lawmakers amended rules governing eligibility for leadership positions.
The clash followed the Senate’s decision to revise its standing orders to restrict presiding and principal offices to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms – a move widely seen as shutting out first-term senators, including Oshiomhole, from contesting for top positions in the current assembly.
Trouble began during plenary when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order as Akpabio called for the adoption of the previous day’s votes and proceedings. The Senate President declined to recognise him, prompting the Edo North lawmaker to repeatedly shout “point of order,” even after his microphone was muted.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, to restore calm proved unsuccessful, as Oshiomhole continued to interject loudly from his seat.
“I am invoking the powers conferred on me as chief whip for you to return to your seat. Be guided,” Monguno said, but the appeal was ignored.
Akpabio subsequently intervened, cautioning Oshiomhole and reiterating the Senate’s rules on order and decorum. He emphasised the authority of the presiding officer to regulate debate, interpret rules, and maintain discipline within the chamber.
“The Senate President has the responsibility to ensure order and to rule on constitutional and procedural matters,” Akpabio said, warning that any lawmaker found to be disruptive could be asked to leave.
He issued what he described as a final warning, stressing the need for members to familiarise themselves with parliamentary procedures, particularly on sensitive issues.
The tension in the chamber was further heightened when Senator Patrick Ndubueze raised concerns over what he termed an omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings, claiming that a resolution included in the record was neither debated nor adopted. Akpabio, however, dismissed the objection.
Despite audible opposition from some lawmakers, the Senate President went ahead to put the matter to a voice vote and ruled in favour of the “ayes.”
The controversy comes on the heels of Tuesday’s amendment to the Senate’s standing rules, which followed a closed-door session lasting several hours. The revised provisions now require senators seeking positions such as Senate President or Deputy Senate President to have completed at least eight years of uninterrupted service in the chamber.
The New Diplomat had reported that development has stirred political calculations within the National Assembly, particularly amid speculation that figures like Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege may be eyeing a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 leadership contest.
Observers say the rule change could significantly reshape the dynamics of future Senate leadership races while also raising questions about inclusiveness and internal democracy within the red chamber.