Nigeria, May 9 -- Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rubbished claims suggesting he considered stepping down from his position, calling the allegations against him baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking during Thursday's plenary session, Akpabio responded sharply after Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, passed a vote of confidence in him.

Bamidele took a veiled swipe at Akpabio's critics, saying those expecting the Senate to demand his resignation must now be disappointed.

"Whatever the level of allegation against anyone of us, we will always ask for evidence," Bamidele declared, applauding colleagues for their solidarity.

Akpabio, in a fiery rebuttal, stated: "Who told you I was going to step down due ...