A tense sitting of the House of Representatives on Thursday descended into chaos as lawmakers engaged in a bitter exchange over allegations of signature forgery, blackmail, and political manipulation linked to the contest for the position of Minority Leader.
The uproar exposed deepening cracks within the opposition caucus, where competing factions are struggling for control of key leadership slots following recent political realignments in the Green Chamber.
The drama unfolded during plenary when Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, raised a matter of personal privilege. He accused Ikenga Ugochinyere of Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, of allegedly using his signature without permission on a nomination document said to support his bid for Minority Leader.
Agbese told the House that he was shocked to find a document in circulation online bearing his name and signature in support of Ugochinyere’s aspiration. He insisted that while he had engaged in discussions with several opposition lawmakers, he never signed any endorsement form.
Describing the act as a violation of his legislative privilege, he alleged that his signature had been forged and called for a formal investigation. He also urged the leadership to halt what he termed attempts to tarnish his image.
The Benue lawmaker further dismissed viral claims suggesting that lawmakers were offered $50,000 to influence the leadership race, insisting he had received no such money and would never compromise his integrity.
In response, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged the complaint and assured that the matter would be looked into. He, however, appealed for calm, disclosing that a closed-door meeting of opposition lawmakers had been scheduled to resolve the leadership dispute.
Tensions escalated when Ugochinyere was granted permission to respond. He rejected the forgery allegations, insisting that Agbese willingly signed the nomination document in the presence of several lawmakers who could testify.
His defence triggered an immediate uproar from Agbese, who interrupted repeatedly, denying the claim in strong terms as the chamber grew rowdy.
The situation quickly degenerated into a shouting match as members of both camps traded accusations, forcing the Speaker to repeatedly call for order.
Ugochinyere maintained that he had overwhelming backing from opposition lawmakers, claiming majority support for his emergence as Minority Leader. He described the forgery allegation as false and politically motivated, vowing to present witnesses who were present at the signing.
Another lawmaker later raised a procedural objection, arguing that Ugochinyere’s claim of support should not be entered into official records since the issue was not formally before the House but within the opposition caucus.
The dispute comes amid growing uncertainty over minority leadership in the House, following recent defections and political shifts that have weakened established power blocs within the opposition.
Former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda’s defection to the All Progressives Congress and his governorship ambition in Rivers State has further reshaped the caucus dynamics, opening up intense rivalry over succession.
Ugochinyere’s rising influence, driven by his outspoken role in challenging government policies, has reportedly earned him significant backing among opposition lawmakers, even as internal party crises, particularly within the PDP, continue to reshape alliances.