By Ghazali Ibrahim
A heated confrontation broke out in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed over newly amended standing rules governing leadership positions in the chamber.
The row erupted during plenary, barely 24 hours after the Senate approved changes restricting eligibility for presiding offices to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms.
Trouble started when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings.
The Senate President declined to recognise him, citing procedural rules, but the Edo North lawmaker persisted, triggering a tense exchange on the floor.
As the situation escalated, Akpabio issued a stern warning, cautioning that disciplinary measures could be invoked if disruptions continued.
The amended rules, adopted after a closed-door session, effectively bar first-term senators and some incoming lawmakers from contesting key leadership positions in the next National Assembly.
Oshiomhole is believed to be among those affected by the changes and has reportedly opposed the amendment, arguing that leadership should be based on competence rather than tenure.
However, Akpabio has defended the move, insisting it is necessary to ensure stability, continuity and effective governance within the Senate.
The clash underscores rising political tension in the upper chamber as lawmakers position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with the new rules already reshaping the contest for future Senate leadership.
