Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have backed Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as Minority Leader designate, following the resignation of Kingsley Chinda from the position after his defection to the ruling
All Progressives Congress (APC).A total of 61 out of 81 minority lawmakers drawn from multiple opposition parties have formally endorsed Ugochinyere and submitted his name to the Speaker of the House for official announcement. Ugochinyere, represents Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State under the platform of the Action Peoples Party (APP).
The lawmakers, representing parties including the NDC, ADC, APGA, PRP, Labour Party (LP), APP, APM, SDP and ACCORD, said the decision reflected a broad consensus across regional, religious and political divides within the minority bloc. They are now awaiting the Speaker’s formal declaration, in line with House rules governing leadership selection among minority parties.
The vacancy arose after Kingsley Chinda, who previously held the Minority Leader position, left the opposition ranks following his defection to the APC, where he subsequently emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Rivers State. His exit triggered consultations among opposition lawmakers on who should assume the strategic parliamentary role.
In the submitted nomination documents, the lawmakers cited Order 7,
Rule 7 of the House Rules, which provides that members of the minority bloc shall elect their leadership internally. They argued that the overwhelming support for Ugochinyere reflected the principle of majority decision-making within the opposition caucus.
Several lawmakers who spoke on condition of anonymity described the process as “voluntary and inclusive”, insisting that the choice of Ugochinyere was driven by competence, legislative experience and consensus-building ability within the chamber.
Ugochinyere’s supporters within the caucus pointed to his sponsorship of over 40 bills, motions and petitions within his current term, as well as his previous advisory role to the Senate leadership, as evidence of his readiness for the position.
They also argued that parliamentary leadership positions are not strictly determined by tenure, citing historical precedents in Nigeria’s National Assembly where lawmakers with limited experience have risen to leadership roles based on consensus and political negotiation.
The lawmakers expressed confidence that the Speaker would act swiftly on the submission to avoid a prolonged leadership vacuum within the minority caucus, stressing the need for a fully constituted opposition leadership
to ensure effective parliamentary engagement.
