The reports do not contain any iota of truth. They misconstrue time-tested practices and traditions in parliaments worldwide,” Adaramodu said.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigerian Senate has officially debunked reports of a disagreement between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, describing the alleged clash during a closed-door session as “completely false” and “misleading.”
The clarification followed media reports claiming that the two senior lawmakers exchanged words over whether the Senate should proceed on its annual recess.
Reacting on Saturday, July 27, 2025, Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said in a statement that the claims were unfounded and misrepresented the workings of the National Assembly.
“The reports do not contain any iota of truth. They misconstrue time-tested practices and traditions in parliaments worldwide,” Adaramodu said.
“Whether in the chamber or committee room, debates on policy issues should not be misconstrued as altercations among members, neither do they suggest any crack in the rank of the leadership.”
Senate leadership denies crisis
The reports, which circulated online earlier in the week, suggested there was tension between Akpabio and Bamidele during an executive session. However, Adaramodu emphasized that what transpired was a standard legislative dialogue.
“The Senate, as our country’s highest law-making institution, is not different in any way. Like other parliaments, every bill, motion and proposal is always subjected to intense scrutiny,” he explained.
He also reiterated that the role of parliamentary debate is central to democratic decision-making, especially on matters affecting over 230 million Nigerians.
No Leadership Division in the 10th National Assembly
Since the inauguration of the 10th Senate in June 2023, both Akpabio and Bamidele have worked in tandem to drive the legislative agenda of the All Progressives Congress-led federal government. Insiders in the National Assembly say the two men continue to collaborate effectively.
The Senate proceeded on its two months annual rrecess on Thursday.
Adaramodu cautioned the media to exercise responsibility when reporting on internal legislative activities.
“We urge the media to be circumspect and uphold the ethics of balanced and responsible journalism. Reporting unfounded speculations as facts does not serve the public interest,” he said.