ABUJA - A significant political crisis has been averted in Nigeria's National Assembly as Senator Orji Uzor Kalu confirmed attempts to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a key ally of President Bola Tinubu.
Impeachment Plot Thwarted
The Abia North senator revealed on Tuesday, November 11, that lawmakers successfully prevented what he described as a serious move to unseat the senate president. Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Kalu characterized the situation as "family misunderstanding" within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
"Though there were attempts, we didn't allow that to happen," Kalu stated emphatically. "That is why I always say we are one big family, and it is not going to happen."
Akpabio's Political Profile
Godswill Akpabio currently serves as Nigeria's 15th Senate President, a position he assumed in 2023 after a remarkable political journey. The Akwa Ibom native first entered the Senate in 2015 representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.
Following an electoral defeat in 2019, Akpabio served as Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 until 2022, when he resigned to pursue his successful Senate comeback. His political career includes serving as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, where he established himself as a formidable political force.
Internal Criticism Emerges
The revelation of the impeachment plot comes amid growing internal criticism of the Senate's operations. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North and former APC national chairman, expressed serious concerns about the legislative process under Akpabio's leadership.
Oshiomhole suggested the Senate had become a "rubber-stamp" legislature for the presidency, noting that many bills appear to be approved without adequate debate or scrutiny.
"I'm seriously troubled with the way in which we are going about making these laws," Oshiomhole told Premium Times, highlighting tensions within the ruling party's legislative caucus.
The political drama unfolds as Akpabio continues to face both internal and external challenges, including recent allegations from family members that were strongly denied by his allies. Former Akwa Ibom House of Assembly member Nse Ntuen dismissed accusations linking Akpabio to unresolved killings in Akwa Ibom State as "unfounded" and "malicious."
