Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio harbours a personal bias against him, claiming the Senate leader is uncomfortable with his activities and interactions within the Red Chamber.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during an appearance on MIC ON PODCAST, where he spoke about recent developments within the Senate and his relationship with the Senate President.
Oshiomhole Questions Akpabio’s Perception
The former Edo State governor stated that despite his contributions to the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s electoral success, he believes Akpabio remains suspicious of him.
According to Oshiomhole, he played a significant role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and later served as Deputy Director-General of President Tinubu’s campaign council during the 2023 election.
While emphasizing that he does not claim sole responsibility for the party’s victory, he maintained that his contributions to the party and government should not warrant the treatment he believes he receives.
He alleged that the Senate President has developed an unfounded perception of him and often views his actions with suspicion.
Predicts Changes in Future Senate Leadership
Oshiomhole also suggested that the current leadership structure of the Senate may not be sustained in future assemblies.
According to him, there is growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers regarding the leadership style currently being adopted within the upper legislative chamber.
The senator predicted that the 11th Senate would likely operate differently from the current 10th Senate, citing what he described as concerns being privately expressed by some senators.
Despite those concerns, he said lawmakers have continued to work together in the interest of legislative stability.
Claims Akpabio Becomes Uncomfortable Around Him
The Edo North lawmaker further claimed that Akpabio often becomes uneasy whenever he engages in conversations with certain senators.
To support his claim, Oshiomhole recounted an interaction involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
According to him, Yari had approached the Senate President seeking appointment as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, a committee currently chaired by Oshiomhole.
The senator alleged that Akpabio jokingly suggested that Yari’s interest in the committee might be connected to a plan to remove him as Senate President.
Oshiomhole said he dismissed the comment lightly but viewed it as another example of the Senate President’s perceived concerns about him.
Senate Leadership Determined by Majority Support
The former governor also emphasized that leadership positions within the Senate are ultimately determined by the collective decision of lawmakers.
He described the Senate President as “first among equals,” noting that authority within the chamber is derived from the support of fellow senators.
According to him, any senator who secures majority backing can emerge as Senate President, regardless of personal preferences or political expectations.
He pointed to the Senate leadership contest that produced the current administration as evidence of how senators ultimately determine their leaders.
Remarks Follow NNPCL Controversy
Oshiomhole’s comments come days after the Senate publicly distanced itself from remarks he made about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The senator had described the company as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” a statement that generated significant public debate.
In response, the Senate clarified that Oshiomhole’s comments reflected his personal views and did not represent the official position of the National Assembly.
Senate Clarifies Committee Powers
Last week, the Senate also adopted a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarifying that no Senate committee has the authority to issue or execute a warrant of arrest without complying with the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and obtaining the approval of the Senate President.
The clarification followed reports that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had recommended a warrant of arrest against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over allegations that he failed to honour invitations from the committee.
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by the office of Senate President Akpabio regarding Oshiomhole’s allegations.
Efforts to obtain comments from his media aide, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, were reportedly unsuccessful.
The development has added another dimension to ongoing discussions about leadership, accountability, and internal dynamics within Nigeria’s Senate.