Oshiomhole Accuses Akpabio of Paranoia, Shielding NNPC for Personal Gain

Senator Adam Oshiomhole of Edo North has launched a direct attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of viewing political opponents with unfounded suspicion and making unilateral decisions outside established parliamentary procedures. Oshiomhole made the remarks during a podcast interview on Sunday, escalating an ongoing dispute between the two leaders that has festered since the Senate began amending its rules ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

At the centre of their conflict is Oshiomhole's allegation that Akpabio is shielding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) from Senate scrutiny due to personal interests, including alleged family employment at the national oil firm. Oshiomhole stated that Akpabio has acted beyond his constitutional authority in handling recent Senate resolutions concerning NNPC investigations, distancing the chamber from its oversight responsibilities.

Oshiomhole alleged that Akpabio exhibits paranoid tendencies toward those he views as threats, suggesting the Senate President would move to remove him if he could. During the podcast, Oshiomhole indicated that multiple senators have privately complained about Akpabio's leadership approach, though he did not name them.

He also referenced his role in the All Progressives Congress's 2023 election victory, noting his contributions to President Bola Tinubu's campaign. The deteriorating relationship between the two figures reflects wider political manoeuvring within the Senate as lawmakers position themselves ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

Oshiomhole's public statements mark an intensification of what had previously been more measured criticism, with the senator now directly linking Akpabio's parliamentary decisions to personal financial interests.