The Nigerian Senate descended into chaos on Wednesday evening following a heated altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during a closed-door session, with tensions nearly escalating into a physical clash.
The executive session was convened to deliberate on whether to adjourn plenary this week or next, ahead of the Senate’s customary two-month recess. However, sources revealed that sharp disagreements over the proposed adjournment date exposed deep-seated divisions within the chamber’s leadership.
Trouble reportedly began when Senator Ali Ndume criticised the Senate leadership for failing to hold a pre-session meeting to harmonise their positions, describing the lack of coordination as unacceptable and urging leaders to work with greater unity.
Ndume’s comments appeared to inflame existing tensions, prompting Senate Leader Bamidele to openly criticise Akpabio’s leadership style, leading to a fierce verbal exchange between the two senior lawmakers.
“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele reportedly said during the heated session. “He does not call leadership meetings, he doesn’t consult with anyone. He is autocratic. In fact, I am contemplating resigning as Senate Leader.”
Akpabio, visibly angered by the remarks, fired back sharply.
“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I am speaking. I am in charge here,” Akpabio reportedly yelled. “I have served as Commissioner, two-term Governor, Senate Minority Leader, and a powerful Minister. I know the Senate rules and leadership more than you.”
Witnesses disclosed that both men appeared on the brink of a physical confrontation before other senators intervened swiftly to defuse the situation and restore calm to the chamber.
