The disagreement stemmed from allegations of Akpabio's close association with President Bola Tinubu, manipulation of the ministerial nominee screening process, and the perceived instability created within the Senate due to appointments to various committees.
Critics argued that Akpabio had sown discord by sidelining some senior senators in committee leadership roles, creating a divide within the Senate. They also criticized his demeanor, claiming he was overly jovial, insensitive, and unreliable, calling for his removal.
Some senators reportedly began collecting signatures to support Akpabio's removal ahead of the September 26 resumption of the Senate.
Unlike his predecessor, Ahmad Lawan, who balanced committee chairmanships and vice-chairmanships among his supporters and opponents, Akpabio appointed loyalists to both positions, leaving his critics dissatisfied.
However, a Senate leader downplayed the impeachment plot, stating that collecting signatures was one thing, but impeaching Akpabio required a two-thirds majority vote, which would be challenging to achieve given that many senators had benefited from his appointments.
A senator supportive of Akpabio acknowledged that while the Senate President had made some errors, they did not warrant his removal. He cited minor issues, such as a vacation allowance controversy and alleged excessive executive branch cooperation, but argued that these were insufficient grounds for impeachment.
Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, defended Akpabio, emphasizing that the Senate President had not committed any impeachable offenses. Ndume acknowledged some discontent regarding committee assignments but noted that these cases would be reviewed through established procedures, involving a committee that included members from both the ruling party and the opposition."
