Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is suspicious of him and harbours a bias against him despite his contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory. Speaking on Mic On Podcast, Oshiomhole claimed Akpabio would “lock him out of the Senate” if given the opportunity.
The former Edo State governor said Akpabio is uncomfortable whenever he interacts with certain senators, alleging that the Senate President views him as a political threat. Oshiomhole cited an incident involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari, claiming Akpabio jokingly suggested Yari wanted to join him in plotting his removal as Senate President.
Oshiomhole also predicted that the leadership style and structure of the next Senate would differ from the current arrangement, saying many lawmakers are dissatisfied with Akpabio’s approach. However, he maintained that he has reassured the Senate President that he has no ambition beyond effectively representing his constituents.
The senator stressed that the Senate President is only “first among equals” and remains subject to the collective will of senators. According to him, leadership positions in the Red Chamber are determined by the support of lawmakers rather than personal preferences.
His remarks come amid controversy over his recent description of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.” The Senate recently distanced itself from the comments, insisting they reflected Oshiomhole’s personal views. Efforts to obtain a response from Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.