June 14, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
A fresh controversy has erupted within Nigeria’s political establishment after Senator Adams Oshiomhole accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of having a personal interest in the affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
Speaking during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Oshiomhole alleged that Akpabio’s daughter secured a highly coveted position within the oil sector through the influence of former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The former Edo State governor made the allegations while defending his stance on ongoing investigations involving NNPC and the Senate Committee’s decision to issue a bench warrant against Kyari over alleged accountability concerns.
Oshiomhole claimed that Nigeria’s national oil company has become heavily influenced by nepotism, alleging that relatives of influential figures have been placed in strategic positions over the years.
According to him, the problem extends beyond a single individual and reflects what he described as a culture of favoritism within the organisation.
The senator further alleged that several former and current officials used their influence to secure employment opportunities for family members, turning critical sections of the company into what he described as a “family business.”
While clarifying that he was not opposed to qualified Nigerians gaining employment, Oshiomhole maintained that recruitment into public institutions must be based on merit, transparency, and due process.
The lawmaker also defended the Senate Committee’s decision to issue a bench warrant against former NNPC boss Mele Kyari, insisting that the National Assembly possesses constitutional powers to compel appearances during investigations.
According to Oshiomhole, allegations involving unaccounted public funds running into trillions of naira warrant serious scrutiny and should not be ignored.
The senator maintained that public officials and institutions must be held accountable regardless of their status, stressing that Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts can only succeed when powerful individuals are subjected to the rule of law.
The remarks have generated fresh debate across political circles, with observers expecting reactions from both Senate President Akpabio and other stakeholders mentioned in the allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Senator Godswill Akpabio regarding the claims.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.
