The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied media reports alleging a clash between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, calling the claims baseless and a distortion of routine legislative procedures.
This is not the first time the upper legislative chamber has had to dismiss such allegations of a verbal exchange during an executive session. In response to the latest reports suggesting the two lawmakers exchanged words over the proposed annual recess, the Senate, through its spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that there was no altercation—only normal parliamentary deliberation.
Adaramodu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, issued a statement on Sunday emphasizing that robust debate is a vital part of legislative work and should not be misconstrued as internal conflict.
“The reports do not contain any iota of truth. What transpired was a normal, structured engagement among colleagues, guided by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the Nigerian people,” he stated.
He stressed that open debates, differing opinions, and questioning are all integral to the democratic process within the Senate, irrespective of political differences.
“Like all functional parliaments around the world, our chamber thrives on open discussions—especially on matters affecting national policy. These engagements are signs of a healthy democracy, not division,” Adaramodu added.
He further noted that all discussions, whether in plenary or executive sessions, are focused on promoting the welfare of the over 230 million Nigerians represented by the Senate.
Dispelling any perception of internal strife, Adaramodu affirmed that the Senate leadership remains united and dedicated to its legislative responsibilities.
“There is no crack in our ranks. Leadership remains strong, cohesive, and focused on national development,” he concluded.
The Senate’s statement followed reports alleging that a disagreement over the timing of the chamber’s annual recess led to a heated exchange between Akpabio and Bamidele.
