Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has denied reports claiming there were moves within the National Assembly to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He described the rumours as false and capable of causing unnecessary division among lawmakers.
Bamidele made the clarification during plenary on Wednesday after former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, told journalists that some senators had previously attempted to remove Akpabio from office. According to Kalu, the attempts failed after senior lawmakers intervened to protect the stability of the Senate.
Responding to the claim, Bamidele stated that there was no discussion or plan among senators to remove Akpabio. He maintained that the Senate remains united and focused on addressing national issues rather than internal political battles. He added that the reports of impeachment were only aimed at creating confusion in the legislative arm of government.
Kalu had earlier explained that the Senate’s main focus should be on supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration through policies and laws that improve the welfare of Nigerians. He also mentioned that the Senate was determined to promote peace and cooperation across party lines.
The controversy comes just a year after similar speculations in 2024, when rumours of a plot by some northern senators to unseat Akpabio spread across the media. At that time, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, reaffirming his position.
The recent clarification by Bamidele aims to restore calm within the upper chamber as lawmakers continue their legislative duties amid growing political tension in the country.