Senate in Turmoil: Akpabio and Bamidele in Explosive Confrontation Over Unilateral Leadership
Byline: IDNN Political Desk
ABUJA — Nigeria’s upper chamber erupted behind closed doors Wednesday night, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clashed in a dramatic face-off that exposed a deep fracture in legislative leadership.
Multiple senators confirmed that the verbal altercation nearly turned physical. At the center of the confrontation? Akpabio’s controversial decision to file a Senate cross-appeal in the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan case — allegedly without the backing of the full chamber.
“He acted alone,” a furious senator told IDNN. “There was no consensus. No vote. That appeal came straight from his desk.”
Bamidele unloads: “I’m frustrated working under Akpabio”
During the heated session, Bamidele erupted with rare candor. He accused Akpabio of sidelining leadership and running the chamber autocratically.
“I’m frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele declared. “He doesn’t consult. He doesn’t call leadership meetings. I’m considering resigning.”
His outburst triggered an instant response. A visibly enraged Akpabio cut him off:
“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I’m speaking. I am in charge here.”
Eyewitnesses say tensions soared. The two men were said to be “within striking distance” before other lawmakers intervened and calmed the room.
Fallout from Natasha case: The silent flame that lit the room
The confrontation stems from the Senate’s controversial move to appeal a Federal High Court ruling that deemed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension unconstitutional.
Legal insiders claim Akpabio acted unilaterally, instructing the Clerk of the Senate to file a cross-appeal — a move not sanctioned by Senate resolution. The move has inflamed suspicions of institutional abuse and worsened factional tensions.
“This wasn’t the Senate’s will,” said a source close to Senate leadership. “It was Akpabio’s personal call, and it’s tearing the chamber apart.”
History repeats: Old wounds resurface
This isn’t the first time friction between Akpabio and Bamidele has surfaced. In November 2024, both offices denied reports of an altercation. But Wednesday’s drama leaves little to the imagination.
According to insiders, Senator Ali Ndume had earlier warned that the chamber was drifting without coordination. His comments struck a nerve, as Bamidele followed up with his now-viral tirade.
“Leadership can’t be one man’s decision. If we don’t fix this, the public will lose all confidence,” said one senior senator.
A party under pressure: APC faces optics crisis
The timing couldn’t be worse for the ruling APC. With the recent elevation of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as party chairman and renewed 2027 positioning underway, the Senate crisis threatens to undercut its message of unity and reform.
Political observers warn that without swift reconciliation, the fallout could spill into the 2026 budget season and paralyze oversight functions.
“It’s no longer just a disagreement,” said political analyst Zainab Folarin. “This is institutional instability, and it’s happening in full view.”
No official statement has been released as of press time. Repeated calls to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Media Committee, went unanswered.
What next?
There are whispers that Bamidele may step down before September’s resumption. Others suggest Northern senators are plotting an emergency vote of confidence to challenge Akpabio’s leadership when the chamber reconvenes.
“The Senate is bleeding internally,” one aide warned. “And if nothing changes, it may collapse on itself.
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