Shouting Match Erupts in Nigeria’s House Over Minority Leader Nomination Forgery Claim
A heated confrontation broke out in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Thursday as lawmakers clashed over the nomination process for the position of Minority Leader following the defection of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development has sparked fresh controversy within the opposition caucus, exposing deep divisions over leadership succession, zoning arrangements, and political influence among minority parties in the National Assembly.
The tension reached a boiling point when Hon. Philip Agbese publicly denied supporting the nomination of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the Minority Leader position. Agbese alleged that his signature had been forged on a nomination document reportedly submitted in support of Ugochinyere’s candidacy.
Agbese also rejected claims circulating within political circles that he had received a $50,000 inducement to back the lawmaker. He insisted that he neither signed the nomination form nor authorized anyone to append his signature on his behalf.
In response, Ugochinyere demanded an opportunity to address the allegations, arguing that such serious accusations could not be left unanswered. The lawmaker firmly denied any involvement in forgery and maintained that Agbese personally signed the nomination document in the presence of several lawmakers who could verify the process.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a shouting match on the floor of the House after Agbese interrupted Ugochinyere’s explanation, insisting, “I never did that, Mr. Ikenga.”
As voices rose and tempers flared, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was forced to intervene and call for order. Other lawmakers also stepped in to calm the situation and prevent further disruption of proceedings.
The controversy comes amid efforts by opposition lawmakers to fill the leadership vacuum created by Chinda’s departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Reports indicate that 61 of the 81 opposition members in the House have endorsed Ugochinyere as their preferred candidate for Minority Leader. The supporting lawmakers reportedly come from several opposition parties, including the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Action People’s Party (APP), Allied People’s Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Accord Party.
Ugochinyere, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), appears to enjoy substantial backing among opposition lawmakers. However, his candidacy has continued to face resistance from some members who argue that the position should remain in the South-South geopolitical zone, where Chinda hails from.
Those opposed to Ugochinyere’s emergence are reportedly supporting Hon. Frederick Agbedi, who represents the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State. They contend that maintaining the office within the South-South would preserve established zoning considerations within the opposition bloc.
Critics have also pointed to Ugochinyere’s membership of the Action People’s Party (APP), one of the smallest parties represented in the House, as a reason for reconsidering his nomination.
The dispute has now placed significant attention on Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the House leadership, who are expected to determine whether the nomination endorsed by the majority of opposition lawmakers will receive official recognition.
To address the growing crisis, Speaker Abbas reportedly convened a closed-door meeting involving opposition lawmakers in an effort to find common ground and prevent further divisions.
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As negotiations continue, the battle over the Minority Leader position has become a major test of unity among opposition parties and could shape the future direction of minority leadership in Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
