BREAKING: Senate boiling as Akpabio, Opeyemi Bamidele nearly exchange punches again

The Nigerian Senate was thrown into chaos on Wednesday evening as a closed-door session heated up into a fierce confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, nearly escalating to a physical altercation, according to PoliticsNigeria.

This clash unfolded during an executive meeting held to decide whether to adjourn the current legislative session this week or next, just ahead of the Senate’s traditional two-month recess.

Sources indicate that sharp disagreements over the adjournment timing revealed significant rifts within the chamber’s leadership.

The tension was reportedly ignited by Senator Ali Ndume, who criticized the Senate leadership for not holding a pre-session meeting to coordinate their positions.

He emphasized that such disorganization was unacceptable and called on the leadership to operate with greater unity and coordination. Ndume’s comments seemed to set off underlying frustrations, leading Senate Leader Bamidele to openly challenge Akpabio’s leadership style, a move that quickly escalated into a shouting match between the two prominent lawmakers.

“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele reportedly said in the heated session. “He does not call leadership meetings, he doesn’t consult with anyone. He is autocratic. In fact, I am contemplating resigning as Senate Leader.”

Akpabio, visibly angered by Bamidele’s remarks, fired back sharply.

“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I am speaking. I am in charge here,” Akpabio reportedly yelled. “I have served as Commissioner, two-term Governor, Senate Minority Leader, and a powerful Minister. I know the Senate rules and leadership more than you.”

It was gathered that as tensions rose, both men seemed on the verge of a physical confrontation before other senators swiftly stepped in to calm the situation and restore order.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time both Senators would be involving in physical alteration, in 2024, it was alleged that Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio were involved  altercation and physical fight, which was later debunked in a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs of the Senate Leader’s Office