There was a tense moment in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Edo North Lawmaker Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary over a procedural issue.
The disagreement between Oshiomhole and Akpabio two of the leading Senators from the South-South occurred just a day after the Senate introduced new rules guiding eligibility for leadership positions. The two men are reportedly interested in the position.
Trouble started while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous sitting. Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order, but the Senate President stopped him, explaining that such interruptions are not permitted at that stage under the updated rules.
However, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard, leading to a brief standoff in the Chamber.
To clarify the issue, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, who confirmed that lawmakers are not allowed to raise points of order during the reading of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole continued to press his point, prompting Senate Whip Tahir Monguno to warn him against disrupting the session.
Akpabio then proceeded with the plenary, urging Lawmakers to follow the proceedings and abide by the Chamber’s rules. He also issued a direct warning to Oshiomhole.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” the Senate President said.
Watch the video below;
A major clash in the Senate house between the Senate President Akpabio and Senator Oshiomole. pic.twitter.com/L8vGnZ4KQh
— Chioma Patrick (@ChiomaDPatrick) May 6, 2026
Calm eventually returned as the session continued. A motion to adopt the Votes and Proceedings was later moved by Adamu Aliero and seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The clash is believed to be linked to recent changes in the Senate’s standing rules, which now require Lawmakers to have completed at least two consecutive terms before being eligible to contest for presiding positions.
The development affects Oshiomhole, who does not meet the new requirement, effectively ruling him out of contesting for such roles in the current Senate.