Tensions Rise In Senate As Opposition Mounts Against Akpabio

Senate President Godwill Akpabio, the first Southerner in 16 years to hold this position, faces a significant challenge to maintain his seat amid increasing opposition both within and outside the ruling party…CONTINUE READING

Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa-Ibom State, is encountering resistance to his leadership style in the upper chamber, which many Nigerians now perceive as a “retirement home” for former governors.

Many of the lawmakers who openly oppose him are members of the ruling party, the APC.

Senator Ali Ndume, who served as the coordinator of Akpabio’s campaign, has been engaged in a contentious relationship with him. Elisha Abbo also led the anti-Akpabio movement until his removal from the House.

Ndume has openly challenged Akpabio on two occasions. Last week, he was declared out of order by Akpabio, and he left the chamber, although he later clarified that he left to pray at the Mosque.

However, many do not see Ndume as a formidable opponent due to his history of challenging numerous Senate Presidents without any significant victories.

In 2015, he supported Bukola Saraki but was subsequently removed from his position as the Leader of the Senate after challenging the former Kwara State Governor.