Oshiomhole Alleges Akpabio Views Him as a Threat, Predicts Major Shift in Nigeria’s 11th Senate.

Oshiomhole Alleges Akpabio Views Him as a Threat, Predicts Major Shift in Nigeria’s 11th Senate.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sees him as a political adversary and is increasingly suspicious of his activities within the National Assembly, amid growing tensions over the leadership and direction of Nigeria’s Senate.

Speaking during a recent media interview, the senator representing Edo North alleged that Akpabio is “paranoid” about him and views him as a significant challenge within the upper legislative chamber. Oshiomhole further argued that dissatisfaction with the current Senate leadership extends beyond his personal disagreements, suggesting that several lawmakers are unhappy with the prevailing style of administration in the 10th Senate.

The former Edo State governor predicted that the composition and dynamics of the 11th Senate, expected to emerge after the 2027 general elections, could significantly alter the leadership landscape of the National Assembly. According to him, many senators are quietly expressing concerns over the current leadership structure, a development he believes could influence future contests for key positions within the chamber.

The latest remarks come against the backdrop of months of disagreements between Oshiomhole and Akpabio over amendments to Senate Standing Orders and eligibility requirements for future leadership positions. The disagreements have occasionally spilled onto the Senate floor, highlighting underlying divisions within the Red Chamber. Reports indicate that recent rule changes sparked sharp exchanges between both lawmakers, with Oshiomhole questioning aspects of the amendments and their implications for future Senate leadership contests.

Political observers view the public exchanges as part of broader realignments ahead of the 2027 political cycle, with discussions over succession, legislative reforms, and institutional leadership increasingly shaping conversations within Nigeria’s National Assembly. While Akpabio has not publicly responded to Oshiomhole’s latest comments, the development underscores continuing debates over governance, legislative independence, and the future direction of the Senate.