Senate Session Descends into Chaos as Lawmakers Clash Over Budget Defence
A dramatic confrontation unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when federal lawmakers Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi and Rufai Sani Hanga engaged in a heated verbal exchange during a budget defence session in Abuja. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, underscores the intense political dynamics within the upper legislative chamber.
Details of the Senate Clash Between Nwebonyi and Hanga
Peter Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serving as deputy chief whip for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), clashed with Rufai Hanga, the senator for Kano Central Senatorial District and a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The altercation occurred during a defence of the Ministry of Works budget, where tensions flared over speaking time and political allegiances.
Hanga accused Nwebonyi of "bootlicking his boss" and excessively praising Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, which prompted a sharp retort from the southeast legislator. The two senators strongly disagreed on the allocation of speaking opportunities at the forum, leading to a shouting match that disrupted the proceedings. This is not the first time Nwebonyi has been involved in such an incident; in March 2025, he had a similar heated exchange with former education minister Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate committee hearing.
Background and Political Implications of the Conflict
Nwebonyi is a key ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, adding a layer of political significance to the clash. The confrontation highlights ongoing rivalries between the APC and opposition parties like the NNPP, as well as internal tensions within the Senate. The viral video of the incident, shared by media outlets such as AIT, has drawn widespread public attention, fueling discussions about decorum and partisanship in Nigeria's legislative processes.
Meanwhile, Minister Dave Umahi presented the Ministry of Works' 2026 capital budget, totaling 3.24456 trillion naira, during the same session. He emphasized that the budget focuses on completing major road projects and legacy initiatives, such as the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway and Sokoto–Badagry corridor. Umahi noted that about 70% of the budget carries over unfinished work from 2025, with funding challenges including only 9.7% of expected 2025 capital releases paid so far and contractors owed approximately 2.2 trillion naira for completed work.
Broader Context of Senate Turmoil and Electoral Controversies
This clash adds to a series of disruptive events in the Senate. Recently, the chamber witnessed a rowdy session during an emergency sitting to adopt proceedings related to the Electoral Bill, following controversy over the removal of a provision for real-time electronic transmission of election results. Such incidents reflect deeper political divisions and procedural conflicts that impact governance and public trust.
The ongoing budget debates and political skirmishes underscore the challenges facing Nigeria's legislative body as it navigates fiscal responsibilities and electoral reforms. With key figures like Nwebonyi and Hanga at the center of these disputes, the Senate's ability to function effectively remains under scrutiny.
