Adams Oshiomhole Accuses Senate President Akpabio of Bias, Says Senators Are Unhappy with Leadership Style
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of bias and political paranoia, claiming many lawmakers are dissatisfied with the current Senate leadership style amid ongoing tensions in the National Assembly.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of harboring deep-seated suspicions against him, claiming that the Senate leader views him as a threat despite his longstanding contributions to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during the Sunday edition of MIC ON PODCAST, Oshiomhole opened about what he described as Akpabio’s persistent bias against him amid growing tensions within the National Assembly. His comments come at a time when debates surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Senate oversight activities continue to generate controversy.
According to Oshiomhole, his role in the formation and success of the APC, as well as his involvement in President Bola Tinubu’s election campaign, should not make him a target of suspicion within the Senate.
“People should remember that I was a founding governor of the APC and also served as Deputy Director-General of Bola Tinubu’s Campaign Council,” Oshiomhole said. “I am not claiming sole responsibility for the victory, but I worked hard for it and I am pleased that we succeeded.”
Despite his political credentials, the former labour leader alleged that Akpabio remains excessively wary of any activity involving him.
“He is extremely paranoid about anything connected to me,” Oshiomhole stated. “Everyone in the Senate knows that if Senator Akpabio had his way, he would probably lock me out of the Senate because he has convinced himself that I am the devil he knows. Unfortunately, there are many angels he does not know.”
The senator further predicted that the leadership structure of the next Senate would be significantly different from what currently exists, arguing that dissatisfaction among lawmakers has become increasingly evident.
“The 11th Senate cannot operate the same way the 10th Senate is operating today,” he said. “There is growing frustration among senators regarding the current leadership style. Many members are grumbling, but we continue to manage the situation.”
Oshiomhole maintained that he has repeatedly tried to reassure the Senate President that he harbours no personal ambitions against him.
“I have told him many times that I am a fulfilled individual,” he explained. “Whatever responsibility I am assigned, I simply pray for the wisdom and courage to execute it effectively for the benefit of my constituents. His bias against me is well known, but I will not speculate about what may have caused it.
The former APC National Chairman also claimed that Akpabio often becomes uncomfortable whenever he interacts closely with certain senators, suggesting that the Senate President interprets routine political engagements as potential threats to his position.
To support his claim, Oshiomhole recounted an incident involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari. According to him, Yari had approached Akpabio seeking appointment as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, a committee currently chaired by Oshiomhole.
He alleged that Akpabio questioned Yari’s motives and implied that the move could be part of a plot to remove him from office.
“Senator Yari approached the Senate President and expressed interest in becoming Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Interior,” Oshiomhole recalled. “The Senate President reportedly responded by asking him if he wanted the position so he could join Senator Oshiomhole in planning how to remove him as Senate President. I simply laughed when I heard that.”
Oshiomhole argued that such fears are misplaced because the office of the Senate President ultimately depends on the support of fellow lawmakers.
Explaining how the upper legislative chamber operates, he emphasized that the Senate President is not above other senators but rather serves as what parliamentary tradition describes as ‘first among equals.’
“If you understand how the Senate works, the Senate President is elected by senators and remains accountable to them,” he said. “The position belongs to whoever commands the majority support of members.”
He noted that other lawmakers, including Senator Yari, could have emerged as Senate President if they had secured enough votes during the leadership contest.
“It is not about what any individual desires,” Oshiomhole added. “What matters is who the senators collectively choose to lead them.”
The remarks come only days after the Senate publicly distanced itself from Oshiomhole’s controversial comments about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Recently, the senator described the state-owned oil company as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” a statement that generated widespread reactions across political and public circles.
In response, the Senate clarified that Oshiomhole’s comments reflected his opinion and should not be interpreted as the official position of the legislative chamber.
The controversy coincided with discussions surrounding the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and reports suggesting that lawmakers were considering a warrant of arrest against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over allegations that he failed to honor invitations from the committee.
During plenary, the Senate adopted a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, reaffirming that no Senate committee possesses the authority to issue or execute a warrant of arrest without strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the express approval of the Senate President.
The resolution was widely interpreted as an effort to clarify parliamentary procedures and address public concerns regarding reports linked to the committee’s actions.
As tensions continue within the Senate, Oshiomhole’s latest remarks are likely to fuel further debate about leadership, internal politics, and the future direction of the National Assembly.
Source Links:
- Nigerian Senate official website: National Assembly of Nigeria
- NNPCL official website: Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
- APC official website: All Progressives Congress (APC)