Senate Row: Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Amended Rules

There was drama in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed over the interpretation of the chamber’s amended standing rules.

The disagreement disrupted proceedings for more than 15 minutes after Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, raised a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting.

Akpabio reminded Oshiomhole that, under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended, a point of order is not usually taken during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.

But Oshiomhole insisted on speaking, prompting Akpabio to call on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, to explain the rule. Kalu also told Oshiomhole that a point of order could not be raised at that stage of proceedings.

The situation became tense as Oshiomhole continued to press his point. Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, then warned him to be guided, saying he could invoke his powers if the disruption continued.

Akpabio later cautioned Oshiomhole directly, warning that the rules of the Senate could be used against any member who becomes unruly.

“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” Akpabio said during the exchange.

He added: “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

The Senate later resumed proceedings, with Senator Adamu Aliero moving for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings. The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.

Rule change sparks fresh tension

Oshiomhole’s protest appeared connected to Tuesday’s amendment of the Senate standing rules.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Senate amended Orders 4 and 5 of its rules, limiting eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who meet stricter ranking requirements.

Under the new amendment, senators seeking positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Leader, Chief Whip, Minority Leader and other principal offices must have served at least two consecutive Senate terms immediately before their nomination.

This means only members of the current 10th Senate who win re-election into the 11th Senate will be eligible to contest for those positions.

The amendment may shut out returning politicians who are not currently serving in the Senate but may seek election in 2027.

The Senate said the amendment was designed to strengthen compliance with parliamentary ranking and tradition.

What the amended rule says

The amended Order 4 states that nomination of senators for presiding offices must follow the ranking of senators.

The order of ranking includes former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Senate Presidents, former principal officers, senators who have served at least one four-year term, former members of the House of Representatives and, where none of these apply, first-time senators.

The more controversial provision is in Order 5. It states that no senator will be eligible to contest for any principal office unless he or she has served as a senator for at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination.

This means senators who did not serve in both the 9th and 10th Senate may not qualify to contest for leadership positions in the 11th Senate.

The development has raised fresh debate over power, ranking and succession politics in the National Assembly as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.