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A heated confrontation erupted in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary, barely a day after the upper chamber amended its standing rules to tighten eligibility requirements for leadership positions. The disagreement briefly disrupted proceedings and exposed growing tensions within the Senate ahead of expected leadership contests. 
The drama began when Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting. Akpabio ruled him out of order, insisting that Senate rules do not permit interruptions at that stage. Despite interventions from lawmakers including former Chief Whip Orji Kalu and Senate Whip Mohammed Monguno, Oshiomhole continued protesting, prompting Akpabio to issue a stern warning that he could be removed from the chamber for disorderly conduct. 
The clash is widely linked to the Senate’s recent amendment of Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules, which now restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination. The new provision effectively disqualifies first-term senators such as Oshiomhole from contesting for top Senate leadership positions. 
Political observers say the rule change may be part of broader calculations ahead of the 2027 political cycle and possible future contests for Senate leadership. While plenary later resumed normally, the incident highlighted mounting tensions within the National Assembly as lawmakers position themselves for future power struggles. 
