The Nigerian Senate was thrown into chaos on Wednesday for over 15 minutes following a fiery confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of amended Standing Rules.
The incident erupted as Akpabio began reading the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s session. Oshiomhole, representing Edo North under the APC, raised a point of order. Citing the 2023 Standing Rules, which bar points of order during that stage, Akpabio ruled him out of order.
Undeterred, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to intervene and back the Senate President’s interpretation, confirming that points of order were indeed prohibited at that stage.
Despite repeated warnings, Oshiomhole continued, forcing Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno to caution that disciplinary measures could be applied if the disruption continued.
Akpabio warned sharply, “We should not just go home, buy forms, and come here without knowing the rules,” and added, “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
Order was eventually restored, allowing Senator Adamu Aliero to move for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The clash is believed to be linked to recent amendments to the Senate’s Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 general elections. Orders 4 and 5 were revised to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms, including the immediate past term, effectively limiting leadership contests to returning members of the 10th Assembly.