Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, has declared his intention to contest for the position of Minority Leader. In a strongly worded statement personally signed and released by Ugochinyere, he called on the current Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, to step down, asserting that “it’s time for Chinda to go.”
Ugochinyere Announces Candidacy
Declaring his intention, Ugochinyere said, “I intend to run for the office of minority leader so that I can start my consultation this evening.” Describing himself as a “minority leader, hopefully, in the expected vacancy,” he alleged that Chinda had “allegedly purchased the APC governorship form.” Ugochinyere claimed that both Chinda and Nyesom Wike had concluded that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was no longer viable for their political ambitions.
Allegations Against Chinda
“I heard the minority leader, Hon. OK Chinda, has allegedly purchased the APC governorship form after Chinda and Wike realized that the PDP platform is no longer viable for them,” Ugochinyere stated, urging Chinda to confirm the claim. He further warned that if his “intel is correct,” it would be in Chinda’s “best honourable time to quit to avoid your impeachment, which the numbers to carry it out have been secured (simple majority).”
Call for Resignation Regardless
The lawmaker maintained that even if the allegation regarding the APC forms was untrue, Chinda should still step aside in the interest of the opposition. “With or without even buying the APC form, as a brother, I urge you to step down because the majority of opposition lawmakers have since lost confidence in you and have resolved to impeach you if you don’t take the honourable path,” he said.
Accusations of Undermining Opposition
Ugochinyere also accused Chinda and Wike of undermining opposition politics in Nigeria, asserting that they “contributed 80 per cent to the destruction of opposition politics.” He added that Chinda had failed in his role by prioritising Wike’s interests over that of the opposition bloc. “You will agree that our inability to act decisively has aided your stay in an office that you were not committed to its ideals because you decided to elevate Wike’s interest over opposition interest,” he said.
Final Warning
He concluded with a stern warning: “Time is up, sir. Voluntary step down this evening is the only way to save you from what is coming.”
