The Senate chamber was thrown into tension on Wednesday following a heated confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of amended Standing Rules.

The standoff, which lasted about 15 minutes, disrupted proceedings shortly after Akpabio began reading the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting.

Trouble started when Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised a point of order, but was ruled out by the Senate President, who cited the 2023 Standing Rules barring such interventions at that stage.

Oshiomhole, however, persisted, prompting Akpabio to seek clarification from former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who backed the Senate President’s position.

Despite repeated warnings, the Edo lawmaker continued, drawing caution from Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who warned that disciplinary measures could be invoked.

“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President then issued a direct warning:

“If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

Calm was eventually restored, allowing plenary to resume.

The chamber proceeded to adopt the Votes and Proceedings following a motion by Senator Adamu Aliero, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The clash is believed to be linked to the Senate’s recent amendment of its Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 elections.

The amendment to Orders 4 and 5 now restricts eligibility for key leadership positions, including Senate President and Deputy Senate President, to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms, effectively limiting the contest to returning members of the current 10th Assembly.