A video released by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has added a fresh twist to the dispute over the Minority Leader position in the House of Representatives, appearing to show Hon. Philip Agbese signing endorsement forms backing Ugochinyere’s bid for the office.
The footage, which Ugochinyere’s camp said was recorded on May 21, 2026, surfaced hours after Agbese alleged during plenary that his signature had been forged on a document nominating the Imo lawmaker for the position of Minority Leader.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, raised a point of privilege during Thursday’s sitting, claiming he never endorsed Ugochinyere and demanding that the matter be investigated.
He also dismissed social media reports alleging that he received $50,000 to support Ugochinyere’s aspiration.
The allegation sparked a heated exchange on the floor of the House after Ugochinyere sought the Speaker’s permission to make a personal explanation.
The lawmaker, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, denied the forgery allegation and maintained that Agbese personally signed the endorsement form in the presence of several lawmakers.
His response drew immediate protests from Agbese, who repeatedly interrupted him, shouting, “I never did that!”
The disagreement quickly developed into a shouting match as lawmakers from opposing camps joined the exchange, forcing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to repeatedly call for order.
Some members moved to calm the situation as proceedings became increasingly rowdy.
Responding to the development, Speaker Abbas acknowledged Agbese’s complaint and said the matter would be discussed at a closed-door meeting of opposition lawmakers aimed at resolving the leadership dispute.
The contest follows the defection of former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), creating a vacancy in the opposition leadership.
Ugochinyere’s nomination is backed by 61 of the 81 opposition lawmakers in the House, according to a letter submitted to Speaker Abbas.
The signatories are drawn 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 Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Accord Party.
While Ugochinyere’s supporters argue that he enjoys the backing of the majority of opposition members, some lawmakers are reportedly supporting Hon. Frederick Agbedi of Bayelsa State for the position.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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