Proceedings in the Senate turned rowdy on Wednesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed over recently amended rules that bar some lawmakers from aspiring to leadership positions.
The face-off comes less than a day after the upper chamber reviewed its standing orders, introducing a requirement that only senators who have served two consecutive terms can contest for presiding and principal offices - a move widely interpreted as excluding first-term lawmakers such as Oshiomhole.
The disagreement began when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order during plenary as the Senate moved to confirm the previous day’s votes and proceedings. Akpabio declined to acknowledge him, prompting the former Edo State governor to repeatedly interject, shouting “point of order” even after his microphone was muted.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to restore decorum failed, as Oshiomhole continued to disrupt proceedings from his seat.
“I am invoking the authority of the chief whip for you to resume your seat. Be guided,” Monguno said, but the directive was ignored.
Akpabio subsequently addressed the chamber, warning against disorderly conduct and restating the powers of the Senate President to enforce rules, regulate debate, and maintain discipline. He cautioned that persistent misconduct could lead to sanctions, including removal from the chamber.
He also issued a firm warning to Oshiomhole, urging lawmakers to familiarise themselves with parliamentary procedures, particularly when raising procedural objections.
The situation escalated further when Senator Patrick Ndubueze drew attention to what he described as discrepancies in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings, alleging that a resolution included in the record had not been debated or adopted. The Senate President dismissed the concern.
Akpabio then put the matter to a voice vote and ruled in favour of the “ayes,” despite audible resistance from some lawmakers.
Tuesday’s amendment followed an extended closed-door meeting of senators and now stipulates that only members with at least eight years of uninterrupted legislative experience can contest for the offices of Senate President or Deputy Senate President.
The rule change has triggered fresh political permutations within the National Assembly, especially amid speculation that figures such as Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege may be positioning for a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 leadership race.
Political observers say the new criteria could redefine the contest for Senate leadership, while also raising concerns about fairness and representation in the legislative process.
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