Bamidele and Kalu Clash Over Alleged Plot to Oust Akpabio

The Senate's Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Wednesday rejected allegations that there is an effort to remove Senate President Godswill Akp...

The Senate's Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Wednesday rejected allegations that there is an effort to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling these reports baseless and likely to create uncertainty in the upper house.

Bamidele's explanation came after remarks from the former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), who on Tuesday disclosed that there had been previous, yet unsuccessful, efforts by certain senators to remove Akpabio.

Kalu, during a conversation with reporters at the National Assembly, mentioned that attempts to undermine the Senate leadership were unsuccessful following the intervention of important members who maintained harmony within the chamber.

He called on legislators to prioritize legislative consistency and national unity instead of political maneuvering.

Nevertheless, during the plenary session, Bamidele emphasized that there had never been any intention or conversation among senators regarding the removal of the Senate President.

"No effort was made by any of our colleagues, nor was there any conversation about the removal of the Senate President. We are completely united and have implemented a zero-tolerance approach towards distractions, as there are pressing national issues that require our focus. Such reports are intended to cause confusion," Bamidele stated.

The Senate remains steady. There is no emergency, and no intention to dismiss anyone. Our focus is on matters that directly impact Nigerians.

Bamidele's response was made less than 24 hours following Kalu's statement to reporters that certain legislators had previously tried to oust Akpabio but were convinced to abandon the idea.

"Although there were efforts, we didn't let it occur. That's why I always mention that we are one large family, and it won't happen," Kalu stated.

The ex-governor of Abia State asserted that the Senate's main focus is to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling Nigeria's economic issues via legislation that prioritizes the people.

Regardless of the issue, the Senate is more focused on enacting laws that will assist President Tinubu in addressing the economic challenges our citizens are facing.

"We place greater importance on the people. The laws we are enacting are in favor of the citizens, and our main goal is to ensure that Nigerians can have three meals a day," he added.

The recent dispute brings back recollections of October 2024, when rumors about a northern senators' scheme to remove Akpabio led the chamber to conduct a confidence vote in his leadership.

At that time, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) separated the Northern Senators’ Forum from any such initiative, cautioning that "those promoting these stories were hindering the advancement of our democracy."

Since becoming Senate President in June 2023, Akpabio has faced a continuous wave of conspiracy, dissatisfaction, and hidden schemes aimed at removing him from his position.

Just two months into his presidency, whispers of an impeachment effort began to circulate. Certain legislators criticized Akpabio for managing the Senate as an extension of the executive branch, claiming he was excessively loyal to the administration.

Although he considered the allegations to be politically driven, the event revealed the initial signs of division within the 10th Assembly.

By October 2024, the chamber was once more filled with reports indicating that the Department of State Services had assumed control of the National Assembly Complex to stop Akpabio's dismissal, a statement he dismissed as "false information."

However, despite the Senate's media office issuing rejections, rumors of mutiny continued.

The pressure reached its highest point in July 2025 when Akpabio allegedly had a conflict with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during a private meeting regarding the Senate's unilateral declaration of its annual break.

Reports indicated that the conflict highlighted a greater concern among legislators regarding Akpabio's approach to leadership.

Although Senate representative Yemi Adaramodu labeled the report as "unfounded and deceptive," insiders verified that emotions did escalate during the meeting.

The events of July were not the initial instance where Akpabio and Bamidele were said to have had a disagreement.

Similar accounts emerged in November 2024 regarding a close physical clash between the two individuals—statements quickly refuted by Bamidele's office.

At the heart of the ongoing tension is a battle for power, regional equilibrium, and legislative independence.

Akpabio's strong relationship with President Bola Tinubu has garnered both loyalty and doubt. For his followers, it signifies essential cooperation between the executive and legislative branches; for his detractors, it is seen as evidence of excessive presidential influence.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).