The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Wednesday dismissed claims of any attempt to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling such reports baseless and likely to create confusion within the chamber.

Bamidele’s statement followed remarks by former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), who on Tuesday revealed that some senators had previously made unsuccessful efforts to unseat Akpabio.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly, Kalu said the attempts to destabilize the Senate leadership failed due to interventions by key members, who prioritized unity in the chamber. He urged lawmakers to focus on legislative stability and national cohesion rather than political scheming.

Addressing the issue during plenary, Bamidele emphasized that there was never any plan or discussion among senators to remove the Senate President.

“There was no attempt by any of our colleagues, nor any discussion on the possibility of removing the Senate President. We are fully united and have adopted a zero-tolerance policy for distractions because urgent national matters demand our attention. Reports like this are meant to create confusion,” Bamidele said.

He added, “The Senate is stable. There is no crisis, no plan to remove anyone. Our focus remains on issues that directly impact Nigerians.”

Bamidele’s rebuttal came less than 24 hours after Kalu told journalists that some lawmakers had tried to remove Akpabio but were persuaded to drop the plan.

“Though there were attempts, we didn’t allow that to happen. That is why I always say we are one big family, and it is not going to happen,” Kalu said.

The former Abia State governor stressed that the Senate’s priority is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges through people-centered legislation.

“Whatever the problem is, the Senate is focused on making laws that help President Tinubu tackle the economic difficulties Nigerians face. Our legislation is pro-people, and we are committed to ensuring citizens can meet their basic needs,” he added.

The latest controversy recalls October 2024, when rumors of a northern senators’ plot to unseat Akpabio led the chamber to pass a vote of confidence in his leadership. At the time, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) denied any involvement by the Northern Senators’ Forum, warning that spreading such narratives undermines democracy.

Since becoming Senate President in June 2023, Akpabio has faced recurring intrigue, discontent, and allegations of plots to remove him.

Shortly after his inauguration, rumors circulated of an impeachment plan, with some lawmakers accusing him of being too aligned with the executive. While he dismissed the claims as politically motivated, the episode exposed early tensions within the 10th Assembly.

By October 2024, reports emerged that the Department of State Services had taken over the National Assembly Complex to prevent his removal, a claim Akpabio described as “fake news.” Despite official denials, whispers of rebellion persisted.

Tensions peaked in July 2025 when Akpabio reportedly clashed with Senate Leader Bamidele during a closed-door session over the unilateral announcement of the Senate’s annual recess. While Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the report as “baseless and misleading,” insiders confirmed tempers flared.

Similar reports of disagreements between Akpabio and Bamidele had surfaced in November 2024, including a near-physical confrontation that was swiftly denied.

Underlying these incidents is a struggle over influence, regional balance, and legislative autonomy. Akpabio’s close ties to President Tinubu have earned both loyalty and suspicion: supporters view it as fostering harmony between the executive and legislature, while critics see it as executive overreach.