“Akpabio Sees Me as the Enemy He Knows” — Oshiomhole Alleges Senate President’s Leadership Is Fueling Growing Discontent
Fresh cracks appear to be widening within Nigeria’s Senate as Senator Adams Oshiomhole launched another blistering attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of being overly suspicious and intolerant of dissenting voices within the upper legislative chamber.
Speaking amid ongoing tensions that have characterized recent Senate proceedings, Oshiomhole alleged that Akpabio has become increasingly uncomfortable with his presence and political influence in the National Assembly.
According to the former Edo State governor and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senate President has developed what he described as an unhealthy fixation regarding him.
> “Akpabio is paranoid about everything that has to do with me. Everybody in the Senate knows that if Senator Akpabio has his way, he will lock me out of the Senate because he has misled himself into thinking that I’m probably the devil he knows. However, there are many angels he doesn’t know, and the 11th Senate will not be like the 10th Senate. Senators are grumbling about his style of leadership,” Oshiomhole stated.
The remarks come against the backdrop of a series of public disagreements between the two lawmakers that have increasingly drawn national attention. In recent months, several heated exchanges between Oshiomhole and Akpabio have played out during plenary sessions, exposing internal divisions within the Senate leadership and raising concerns about unity within the ruling APC.
One of the most notable confrontations occurred during a Senate sitting when Oshiomhole challenged procedural decisions taken by the Senate leadership. The disagreement escalated into a tense standoff after the Senate President repeatedly declined to recognize him despite his attempts to raise a point of order. The incident disrupted proceedings and underscored the growing friction between both politicians.
Observers of the National Assembly believe the latest comments reflect deeper concerns over leadership style, internal democracy, and power dynamics within the Senate. Oshiomhole has consistently argued that legislative rules and procedures should not be manipulated to favor specific individuals or political interests. He has previously criticized amendments to Senate leadership eligibility rules, suggesting that such changes could be perceived as targeted measures against certain lawmakers.
The outspoken senator’s latest claim that many lawmakers are dissatisfied with Akpabio’s leadership is likely to intensify conversations about the future direction of the Senate. While no significant bloc of senators has publicly endorsed Oshiomhole’s position, political analysts note that disagreements over leadership style are not uncommon in legislative institutions, particularly as political alignments begin to shift ahead of future electoral cycles.
The reference to the “11th Senate” in Oshiomhole’s statement has also sparked speculation about possible political realignments and leadership contests that may emerge after the current legislative term. His comments suggest that some lawmakers may be preparing to challenge the status quo if dissatisfaction within the chamber continues to grow.
Despite the sharp criticism, neither Akpabio nor his office had immediately issued a formal response to the latest allegations at the time of reporting.
The relationship between the two political heavyweights has increasingly become one of the most closely watched rivalries in the National Assembly. Both men are influential figures within the APC and have played significant roles in shaping the party’s political fortunes over the years.
As debates over leadership, transparency, and internal democracy continue, Oshiomhole’s remarks are expected to fuel further discussions about the state of the Senate and the challenges facing the current leadership.
For now, what remains clear is that the political battle between Oshiomhole and Akpabio shows no signs of cooling, setting the stage for what could become one of the defining power struggles of Nigeria’s current legislative era.
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