Reps minority leader: Ozodinobi rejects Ugochinyere’s bid

The race for the Minority Leadership of Nigeria's House of Representatives has intensified, with acting minority leader George Ozodinobi dismissing the reported ambition of Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency. Ozodinobi described Ugochinyere's move as "a joke taken too far."

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a joke taken too far.

The controversy follows claims that over 60 lawmakers endorsed Ugochinyere for the position after the resignation of former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who secured a governorship ticket for the 2027 election. Ozodinobi, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the current acting leader, was considered a frontrunner. He argued that parliamentary tradition and House Rules do not support a first-term lawmaker aspiring to a principal office.

"We have a tradition in our House Rules that a first timer cannot constitute a nuisance to the extent of aspiring for a principal office of the House. This is a joke taken too far," Ozodinobi stated in Abuja. Despite the challenge, he insisted he was not desperate for the position, saying, "For me, I am not overly ambitious."

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We have a tradition in our House Rules that a first timer cannot constitute a nuisance to the extent of aspiring for a principal office of the House. This is a joke taken too far.

The selection process has exposed divisions within the minority caucus. Supporters of Ugochinyere claim majority backing, but the validity of some endorsements has been questioned. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, publicly disowned the use of his signature on Ugochinyere's nomination documents, stating it was used without his authorization for a purpose different from what he had agreed upon.

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For me, I am not overly ambitious.

Agbese explained that he signed a document alongside Ugochinyere and another lawmaker, believing it pertained to a proposal for the equitable distribution of principal offices among minority parties. He raised the issue on the floor of the House, expressing concern over the misuse of his signature and subsequent attempts to justify the action.

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For the avoidance of doubt, I signed a document with Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and another colleague concerning a proposal that sought equitable distribution of principal offices among minority parties.