The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has stated that there is no valid nomination for Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere for any minority leadership position in the House. This comes as lawmakers vie to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kingsley Chinda as Minority Leader.
Background on the Minority Leadership Vacancy
Kingsley Chinda stepped down as Minority Leader after emerging as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State. His departure has triggered a contest among opposition lawmakers to succeed him.
Agbese's Position on Parliamentary Procedure
Agbese argued that a caucus of opposition lawmakers cannot alter or circumvent the Standing Rules of the House. He described claims that Ugochinyere had emerged as Minority Leader as premature and inconsistent with parliamentary procedure.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Agbese asserted that Ugochinyere's supporters base their claim on the erroneous assumption that a numerical majority of opposition lawmakers can independently appoint a Minority Leader.
"The central flaw in the argument is the assumption that a simple numerical majority of members who describe themselves as 'minority members' can independently appoint a Minority Leader," Agbese said.
According to him, Order 9 Rule 7 of the House Standing Orders does not create an elective office that can be filled through an informal caucus vote. He also rejected suggestions that securing the signatures of 61 lawmakers automatically settles the matter.
"Minority leadership is not equivalent to a constituency election where whoever obtains the highest votes automatically assumes office," he added.
Formal Recognition Required
The lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency stressed that parliamentary leadership positions are governed by established rules, conventions, party structures, and institutional procedures. He further rejected claims that the endorsement process had already been concluded, insisting that no nomination becomes effective until it is formally recognised by the House.
"There is no completed process until the House recognises the nomination," Agbese stated.
Allegations of Forgery and Tensions
Recall that chaos erupted in the House of Representatives as lawmakers battled for the minority leader position to replace Chinda. Agbese accused colleagues of forgery in Ugochinyere's endorsement following Chinda's resignation. Tensions escalated with allegations of bribery and disputes over leadership support during the plenary on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Agbese's Political Move
Meanwhile, Agbese secured the Labour Party ticket for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections. The Deputy House spokesperson won the direct primary with over 52,000 votes across Benue wards. The Labour Party, which concluded primaries in Benue, produced candidates for senatorial and governorship positions.
