In a light-hearted moment that turned the Nigerian Senate plenary into a scene of comedic banter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio playfully teased Senator Adams Oshiomhole over a viral video purportedly showing the Edo North senator giving a leg massage to a woman aboard a private jet.
The video, which surfaced on social media earlier this year, quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions and debates across Nigeria. Senator Oshiomhole has consistently maintained that the footage is AI-generated and not authentic, dismissing it as a fabricated clip designed to tarnish his image.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio referenced the clip while addressing security concerns raised by Senator Oshiomhole’s ally, Senator Lalong. In his characteristic witty style, Akpabio remarked that the Senate had initially overlooked the video, assuming it was AI-manipulated. He humorously added that if new evidence emerged proving otherwise, the chamber could consider a petition on the matter.
The exchange elicited laughter from colleagues, highlighting the camaraderie and occasional levity within the upper chamber despite the serious business of legislation. Akpabio’s teasing underscored the power of social media and deepfake technology in shaping public discourse, while also reflecting the robust personal relationships among senators.
Senator Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State and prominent political figure, has not issued a further statement following today’s playful exchange. The incident serves as a reminder of how viral content whether real or AI-generated continues to influence political narratives in Nigeria.