Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of inconsistency and raising concerns over the ongoing debate on amendments to the Senate’s standing rules.
Oshiomhole made the comments during a press interview inside the National Assembly complex, where he strongly criticised the push to alter the chamber’s leadership eligibility requirements.
He argued that the proposed changes amount to a moral contradiction, especially when viewed against Akpabio’s own rise within the legislative system and the precedents set by past Senate leaders.
According to him, Akpabio benefited from existing rules during his political ascent and should not now support amendments that could exclude others under similar circumstances.
He said:
“Now, let me say why this has serious moral crashes. The Senate president became minority leader on his first day in office… Now he is presiding and asking us to change this rule such that even somebody I don’t want, particularly if you came through the court, you cannot even be eligible.
“Number two, as we speak today, the Senate president has not done eight years in office. Even if you count the previous and the current, it is not up to eight years. So if we pass a rule that says you must do eight consecutive years before you can be Senate president, it means he has to lead by example and vacate.
“He is presiding without acquiring the appropriate qualification. But more offensive to me is that as leaders, we must not make laws to target anyone. Senator David Mark served as Senate President for eight years, and it was the same rules that made that possible. What is wrong with those rules?”
He further questioned the rationale behind changing rules that previously allowed leaders like former Senate President David Mark to serve two full terms, warning that such adjustments could narrow political competition.
Oshiomhole also insisted that leadership must be guided by fairness and precedent, arguing that if the new eligibility criteria are adopted, Akpabio should step aside to demonstrate consistency.
The comments add to rising tension within the Senate following recent disputes over amendments to its standing orders and leadership structure.
