Senate President Akpabio and Senate Leader Bamidele Nearly Come to Blows in Closed-Door Showdown

In a dramatic confrontation during a Wednesday executive session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele came dangerously close to a physical fight after a heated shouting match. The clash occurred amid a tense debate over whether to adjourn the current legislative sitting this week or defer the decision to next week ahead of the two-month recess .

The altercation was reportedly triggered when Senator Ali Ndume criticized the leadership for not holding prior consultations. Senate Leader Bamidele, visibly frustrated, accused Akpabio of autocratic leadership, stating, *“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio… He does not call leadership meetings, he doesn’t consult with anyone”* . Akpabio responded sharply, asserting his authority and experience by listing his career achievements before ordering Bamidele to “sit down” as tensions mounted.

As the exchange escalated, the two senior lawmakers were reportedly on the verge of a physical confrontation before other senators intervened to calm the situation and restore order. No official statement has been released by either the Senate Presidency or the Office of the Senate Leader at the time of publication.

Share to: