Fresh crack within the Nigerian Senate escalated on Thursday after Senator Adams Oshiomhole openly called for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign over the controversial amendment of the Senate Standing Orders.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Oshiomhole described the new rules as unfair and morally flawed, arguing that Akpabio himself would not qualify under the same conditions now being imposed on others.
The Edo North senator questioned the decision to restrict eligibility for key Senate leadership positions to lawmakers with at least eight consecutive years in the chamber.
“This rule has serious moral crisis,” Oshiomhole said.
“The Senate President became minority leader during his first term, and now he is presiding over rules that would stop others from contesting.”
He argued that if the Senate insists on the new qualification threshold, Akpabio should “lead by example” and vacate the position because he allegedly does not meet the same requirement.
Oshiomhole also accused the Senate leadership of rushing the amendment process to favour certain interests ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
According to him, the changes were designed to narrow the field and limit competition for top offices in the Senate.
He referenced former Senate President David Mark, noting that past leaders emerged under more open rules and warning against altering regulations for political convenience.
The controversy follows the Senate’s recent amendment of its Standing Orders, which introduced stricter eligibility requirements for senators seeking positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal offices.
However, amid mounting criticism and constitutional concerns, parts of the amendment were later reversed by the Senate after lawmakers raised questions about possible inconsistencies with Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the chamber reviewed the provisions to avoid constitutional conflicts, while Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau described the reversal as a necessary correction.
Despite the partial reversal, Oshiomhole maintained that the handling of the entire process exposed deeper problems within the Senate’s leadership and legislative procedure.
