Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following the controversial amendment of the Senate Standing Rules on eligibility for the office of Senate President.
Oshiomhole, while reacting to the recent reversal of a Senate rule that previously restricted the contest for principal offices to ranking senators with at least two terms in the chamber, described the development as “self-serving” and capable of undermining the integrity of the National Assembly.
The former Edo State governor argued that changing the rules to suit individual political interests sets a dangerous precedent and weakens public confidence in the legislature. According to him, leadership positions in the Senate should not be determined by sudden amendments designed to favour particular individuals.
He maintained that if the Senate leadership was committed to transparency and democratic principles, Akpabio ought to step aside to allow for fairness and restore credibility to the institution.
The Senate had earlier adopted a motion reversing parts of its standing orders, thereby expanding eligibility for the office of Senate President and other principal positions. The move has since generated mixed reactions within political circles, with supporters insisting it promotes inclusiveness, while critics claim it was targeted at influencing the leadership structure ahead of future political realignments.
Political observers believe the controversy may further deepen divisions within the upper legislative chamber as permutations for the 2027 political season continue to gather momentum.
