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Why Senators Targeted Akpabio for Impeachment
The former governor of Abia State and senator for Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, stated yesterday that the recent effort to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio was stopped due to the actions of lawmakers who are dedicated to maintaining the integrity and stability of the 10th Senate.
Kalu told journalists yesterday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja that claims about a scheme to remove Akpabio were not baseless, but added that the plot was stopped before it could take off.
"Although there were efforts, we did not let it occur. That is why I consistently mention that we are one large family, and it won't happen. The Senate stands united with its leadership," he stated.
He emphasized that the upper house continues to concentrate on its constitutional responsibility of creating laws and providing supervision, while backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government in tackling the nation's socio-economic issues.
"Regardless of the issue, the Senate is more focused on creating laws that will assist President Tinubu in addressing the economic challenges our citizens are facing. We prioritize the people. The laws we are passing are in favor of the people, and we are dedicated to making sure Nigerians can have three meals a day," Kalu stated.
Individuals aware of internal debates stated that the impeachment effort was not a coordinated uprising but rather an informal group of frustrated legislators, including those from both the APC and the opposition.
Several legislators reportedly felt excluded from committee assignments and alleged that Akpabio was consolidating authority within a tight group of supporters. Others expressed concerns over inadequate discussion regarding critical matters like budget allocation and national security updates.
Increasing anxiety in the upper chamber
Kalu's remarks followed weeks of discussion regarding concerns within the Senate. It was reported that some legislators, especially from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), felt uneasy about Akpabio's approach to leadership.
In July 2025, conflict intensified when Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) allegedly had a confrontation during a private meeting. According to reports, the initial disagreement revolved around procedural matters and leadership communication, but it eventually grew into a larger internal conflict, reflecting dissatisfaction within the APC group.
As per insiders, the confusion arose when Akpabio independently declared that the Senate would move forward with its annual break, a choice that caught some senior officials off guard. Opponents contended that this decision should have been deliberated upon together.
A senator, who wished to remain unidentified, mentioned that the issue escalated into a vigorous debate about whether the Senate had met its constitutional requirement of holding sessions for a minimum of 181 legislative days during the year.
Although Bamidele's statement was considered technically accurate, several senators were taken aback by his direct challenge to the Senate President, which represented an uncommon display of disagreement inside the ruling party.
Political analysts viewed the situation as an increasing discontent with Akpabio's management of internal matters.
This was not the initial instance where accounts of tension between Akpabio and prominent Senate officials came to light.
In November 2024, reports emerged of a nearly physical clash between Akpabio and Bamidele, claims that the Senate Leader's office quickly rejected as "false information" intended to undermine the upper house.
In a statement released at that time by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs from Bamidele's office, he denied ever being involved in any physical or verbal conflicts during his political career, calling the report a fabrication by opponents aiming to create division within the Senate.
Nonetheless, political analysts observed that the repeated accounts of conflict within the APC group highlighted more fundamental ideological and political divisions.
Experts noted that the Senate, historically regarded as the stabilising element in Nigeria's democracy, seems to be facing internal power struggles similar to those seen in past sessions.
The ascent of Akpabio and the issue of agreement
Senator Akpabio, who previously served as governor of Akwa Ibom and as Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, became Senate President in June 2023 following support from President Tinubu and major APC figures.
His win against Senator Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara was generally seen as a success for the Tinubu faction, which aimed to establish loyalty and consistency within the legislative body.
Nevertheless, just two months into the 10th Senate, allegations emerged about a plan to remove Akpabio from office. Certain senators criticized him for managing the chamber as a "rubber stamp" for the executive branch, worried that with his direction, the Senate could lose its autonomy.
Despite Akpabio labeling these assertions as "politically driven," experts noted that they highlight a long-standing discussion regarding the legislature's independence within Nigeria's presidential framework.
Kalu's mediating role
Senator Kalu, recognized for his impact within political and corporate spheres, is believed to have been instrumental in resolving the recent conflict.
As a former governor who served two terms and a prominent member of the APC, Kalu holds respect from various political factions. According to sources, he collaborated with senior legislators including Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North), and Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) to discreetly ease conflicts.
Their initiatives are said to have focused on promoting solidarity and cautioning that a leadership conflict might disrupt the Senate and convey unfavorable messages during a period of national economic difficulty.
A senator revealed to Daily Trust, under the condition of anonymity, "Kalu is among those who support institutional stability. Although he might have private disagreements with Akpabio, he recognizes that an impeachment now would convey the wrong message."
Resonances of previous conflicts over authority
The Nigerian Senate has experienced a pattern of power struggles among its leaders, which have led to instability in its functioning.
The 5th Senate (1999-2003) saw the consecutive removal of Evans Enwerem and Chuba Okadigbo, whereas the 8th Senate (2015-2019), under Bukola Saraki, experienced significant conflicts following his election against his party's choice.
The crisis led to extended conflict between the executive and legislative branches, as Saraki's leadership faced ongoing threats from impeachment speculation.
Akpabio balancing on a tightrope - Analysts
A political commentator, Jackson Lekan Ojo, stated to Daily Trust during a phone conversation the previous day that Akpabio "is balancing on a tightrope."
"He must be cautious in balancing his loyalty to the executive while safeguarding the legislature's independence to prevent a negative result," Ojo stated.
He pointed out that Akpabio's strong association with President Tinubu, while in line with the APC's Renewed Hope initiative, might weaken legislative checks and balances if not handled effectively.
"By thwarting the scheme targeting Akpabio, the Senate might have brought about a brief period of peace, yet deep-seated issues still persist. The task moving forward is to strengthen solidarity while upholding true independence, a delicate equilibrium that has proven difficult for many parliaments throughout Nigeria's democratic past," he remarked.
Another analyst, Aminu Yakudima, stated that the unsuccessful plan highlights the instability of Nigeria's political environment, where changing allegiances and realignments of power are typical.
"The pressure is especially intense due to the present economic challenges and broad public frustration. However, an unpredictable Senate might reduce policy stability and slow down important reforms like the 2026 budget, changes in the energy sector, and constitutional updates," he stated.
Copyright 2025 Daily Trust. All rights reserved. Shared by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1).
Tagged: Nigeria, Governance, West Africa
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