According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Nigerian Senate experienced a brief period of disorder on Wednesday following a heated confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of newly amended standing rules governing proceedings and leadership eligibility.
The tension erupted during plenary when Akpabio began the formal reading of the Votes and Proceedings from the previous legislative day. At that moment, Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, raised a point of order, prompting an immediate procedural objection from the Senate President.
Akpabio ruled the intervention out of order, citing the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), which prohibit points of order during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings. He maintained that lawmakers must adhere strictly to procedural guidelines to ensure order in the chamber.
Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole persisted in his attempt to be heard, escalating the exchange. In response, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rules governing the stage of proceedings. Kalu affirmed the Senate President’s position, confirming that such interruptions were not permitted.
As the disagreement continued, Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno intervened, warning that the Senate’s disciplinary powers could be invoked if the disruption was not halted. He urged Oshiomhole to comply with established procedures and allow the session to proceed.
At one point, Akpabio cautioned lawmakers on the importance of understanding parliamentary regulations, stating that ignorance of the rules was unacceptable in legislative business.
“We should not come here without knowing the rules,” he said, adding that discipline would be enforced where necessary.
The Senate President also issued a firm warning to Oshiomhole, saying continued disorderly conduct would not be tolerated. “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” he stated.
Following the exchange, order was restored and legislative business resumed without further disruption. The Votes and Proceedings were later adopted after a motion was moved by Senator Adamu Aliero and seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The Senate had earlier amended Orders 4 and 5 following a closed-door session, tightening the criteria for those eligible to contest presiding and principal offices. Under the revised provisions, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms including the current term are eligible to vie for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The reform effectively limits leadership contests to experienced returning lawmakers within the 10th Assembly, a change that has sparked debate among legislators and political observers over inclusiveness, competition, and internal party dynamics ahead of the next electoral cycle.
