Oshiomhole Demands Akpabio’s Resignation, Says He’s Unfit To Lead Senate

Oshiomhole made the call while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

The former Edo State governor said the new rules have created what he described as a moral dilemma within the Senate, raising concerns about fairness and eligibility for top leadership roles.

According to him, the amendment has sparked questions about whether current leaders meet the standards they are now imposing on others.

The Edo North senator argued that Akpabio should not continue to preside over the Senate if the revised criteria are applied strictly.

He noted that the Senate President himself may fall short of the new requirements being considered under the amended rules.

Oshiomhole explained that the provision requiring longer years of continuous service before contesting for Senate President would also affect Akpabio’s eligibility.

He pointed out that Akpabio has not completed up to eight years in the Senate when his previous and current tenures are combined.

He described it as unjust for lawmakers who operated under earlier rules to now introduce stricter conditions that could limit others from contesting leadership positions.

Oshiomhole also cautioned against altering rules for political convenience after benefiting from the previous system.

He said, “This rule raises a serious moral issue. The Senate President was once Minority Leader in his first term and is now presiding over a process that seeks to change the rules in a way that excludes others.

“As we speak today, even if you combine his previous and current terms, the Senate President has not completed eight years in the Senate.

“So if we adopt a rule requiring eight consecutive years before anyone can become Senate President, then he should lead by example, because he would not meet the requirement.”

He referenced former Senate President David Mark, who served two consecutive terms under earlier arrangements, saying past practices should be considered when making new rules.

The senator questioned why the Senate leadership is introducing stricter conditions that could significantly reduce eligibility for top offices.

The controversy follows growing tension in the Senate after lawmakers approved amendments to the Standing Orders earlier in the week.

The new provisions stipulate that only senators who have served at least two uninterrupted terms would be eligible to contest for positions such as Senate President and other principal offices in the 11th National Assembly.

The development has split opinion within the chamber, with some lawmakers arguing that the changes were rushed and could be aimed at influencing the 2027 leadership race.