Senator Adams Oshiomhole says Senate President Godswill Akpabio regards him as a “devil” and is paranoid about him. In interviews on Sunday, including a Mic on Podcast appearance, Oshiomhole alleged that Akpabio believes Oshiomhole is a threat to him and could try to “lock” him out of the Senate if Akpabio gets his way. Oshiomhole said senators are quietly unhappy with Akpabio’s leadership style and that the 11th Senate will not resemble the 10th Senate.

The accounts across outlets describe Oshiomhole’s claim that Akpabio is overly suspicious about anything connected to him, adding that Akpabio allegedly misjudges Oshiomhole. The reports also reference the existing political strain between the two former governors, which they link to Senate rule amendments ahead of the 2027 political cycle and to a shouting match in the Senate floor over Orders 4 and 5 of the chamber’s standing rules. None of the sources include a direct response from Akpabio to Oshiomhole’s allegations.