By Abdul Lauya
Fresh cracks have emerged in the leadership of the Nigerian Senate following a heated altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during a closed-door executive session on Wednesday.
The confrontation, which sources described as nearly devolving into a physical scuffle, underscores growing discontent with Akpabio’s leadership style and has intensified concerns over unity within the 10th Senate.
Multiple insiders who witnessed the exchange said Bamidele openly accused Akpabio of running an autocratic chamber, sidelining key leaders in decision-making, and failing to convene statutory leadership meetings.
According to reports, Bamidele was so incensed he threatened to resign from his post as Senate Leader, a move that, if realized, could shake the foundation of the current legislative order.
In response, Akpabio reportedly defended his authority in fiery terms, touting his long résumé in executive and legislative roles and asserting, “I know the Senate rules and leadership more than you.”
Akpabio’s outburst, sources said, was laced with frustration and an insistence that he remains firmly in charge.
Though official statements were not issued by either party as of press time, the Senate’s public image as a united bloc is now under renewed scrutiny.
The timing of the conflict is especially critical, coming just days before the upper chamber embarks on its annual two-month recess.
While previous murmurs of internal tension were publicly denied, notably in November 2024, when a similar confrontation was dismissed as “fake news”, this latest fracas appears too significant to ignore.
Analysts say it reflects a power struggle over legislative direction and control in a chamber historically prone to factionalism.
Observers warn that unless managed with tact and maturity, the rift could paralyze key legislative functions and erode public confidence in the Senate’s ability to provide oversight and stability at a time of pressing national challenges.
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