Tension Boils Over In Senate: Bamidele Screams ‘I Might Resign!’ In Explosive Showdown With Akpabio

Tensions flared during Wednesday evening’s plenary session as a heated shouting match broke out between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, nearly escalating into a physical confrontation.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the outburst occurred during a closed-door executive session held to deliberate on whether to adjourn the current legislative sitting this week or postpone it until next week for the Senate’s annual two-month recess.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that disagreements over the timing of the adjournment exposed growing divisions within the Senate leadership. Senator Ali Ndume reportedly criticized the leadership for failing to hold a prior strategy meeting before presenting the issue on the floor, insisting that such decisions require coordination and unity.

Ndume’s remarks reportedly triggered deeper frustrations, prompting Senate Leader Bamidele to openly criticize Akpabio’s leadership style.

“I’m frustrated serving as Senate Leader under President Akpabio,” Bamidele was quoted as saying. “He doesn’t call leadership meetings, doesn’t consult with anyone. His style is autocratic. Honestly, I’m considering resigning.”

Visibly enraged, Akpabio interrupted, shouting:
“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He has no right to speak while I’m speaking. I am in charge here. I’ve served as Commissioner, two-term Governor, Senate Minority Leader, and a powerful Minister. I understand Senate leadership better than you!”

As tempers flared, both senators appeared on the verge of a physical clash before colleagues quickly intervened to restore calm.

As of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued. Attempts to reach Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, were unsuccessful—his phone was switched off, and he was unreachable on WhatsApp.