Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele Denies Plot to Remove Akpabio, Calls Reports Baseless and Divisive

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has dismissed reports suggesting an impeachment plot against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing them as false and designed to stir unnecessary tension in the upper chamber.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Bamidele clarified that no discussions or plans to remove Akpabio had ever taken place among senators, insisting that the Senate remains united and focused on national priorities.

“There was no attempt by any of our colleagues nor any discussion about removing the Senate President” he stated. “We are completely united and have resolved to avoid distractions because critical national issues require our full attention. Reports like that only aim to create confusion.”

His remarks came in response to comments made a day earlier by former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, who told journalists at the National Assembly that there had been previous but unsuccessful moves by some lawmakers to unseat Akpabio.

Kalu explained that those attempts failed due to intervention from key members who prioritised unity over political manoeuvring. “Yes, there were attempts, but we stopped them. The Senate is one family, and it will not happen,” Kalu said.

He emphasised that the Senate’s current focus is on supporting President Bola Tinubu through people-oriented legislation aimed at easing the nation’s economic hardship. “Our job is to make laws that will help the President address the economic difficulties Nigerians face. We are more interested in ensuring our people can afford three square meals daily” Kalu added.

This development revives memories of similar speculation in October 2024, when rumours of a northern senators’ plot to remove Akpabio led the chamber to reaffirm its confidence in his leadership. At the time, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) distanced the Northern Senators’ Forum from the reports, warning that such narratives threatened democratic progress.

Since becoming Senate President in June 2023, Akpabio has faced multiple rumours of dissent and alleged impeachment plots. Barely two months into his tenure, accusations surfaced that he was running the Senate as an extension of the executive, a claim he denied as politically motivated.

By October 2024, reports again claimed the Department of State Services had taken over the National Assembly Complex to prevent his removal—a story Akpabio dismissed as “fake news.”

The tension briefly resurfaced in July 2025 when Akpabio reportedly clashed with Bamidele over the unilateral announcement of the Senate’s annual recess. Although Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu described the report as misleading, insiders confirmed heated exchanges took place.

At the heart of the repeated rumours lies an ongoing contest for influence, regional representation, and legislative independence. Akpabio’s close relationship with President Tinubu continues to attract both loyalty and suspicion—viewed by supporters as essential coordination between the arms of government and by critics as executive interference in legislative affairs.