Senate Leader Dismisses Talk of Akpabio’s Removal, Calls It a Distraction

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has debunked claims of a brewing plan to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing the reports as “deliberate attempts to cause tension” within the National Assembly.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Bamidele said no senator has held discussions or initiated any move to unseat Akpabio, contrary to the rumours circulating on social media and some political blogs.

“There was no attempt by any of our colleagues, nor any discussion about removing the Senate President from office,” Bamidele stated firmly. “We are fully united and have a zero-tolerance approach to distractions because there are urgent issues of public importance that need our attention. Reports like these are clearly meant to create confusion.”

A Senate united, or under quiet pressure?

Bamidele’s comments come amid growing speculation about divisions within the upper legislative chamber, particularly following remarks by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North, who recently referenced past unsuccessful attempts to impeach the Senate President.

His clarification was intended to douse the tension those remarks had sparked, with several lawmakers reportedly expressing concern that such claims could undermine public confidence in the Senate’s stability.

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According to Bamidele, the chamber remains cohesive and focused on national priorities, especially issues of governance, accountability, and economic recovery. He insisted that senators were “working collectively to support the executive in addressing key challenges facing Nigerians” rather than engaging in internal power struggles.

The politics behind the whispers

While Bamidele’s denial seeks to reaffirm calm, the Senate has in recent months been the subject of speculation over alignment and loyalty among lawmakers, especially after Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President drew mixed reactions within the ruling party.

Some insiders have hinted that rival factions may still be testing their strength ahead of next year’s midterm legislative reshuffles, a claim Bamidele’s comments appear intended to shut down decisively.

For now, the Senate leader’s statement signals a united front — at least in public — as lawmakers prepare for a series of debates on national spending and security reforms in the coming weeks.