The House of Representatives descended into a shouting match on Thursday after a lawmaker accused colleagues of forging his signature to nominate a candidate for minority leader. The drama unfolded when Hon. Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency, took the floor to deny endorsing Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the post.
Agbese, who also serves as Deputy Spokesperson of the House, claimed his signature was fraudulently placed on a list circulating online. That list purported to show 61 opposition members backing Ugochinyere, a member of the Action People’s Party, for minority leader. The controversy follows the resignation of former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who stepped down after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party to pursue the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket.
An online report by Aljazirah had further stirred the pot, alleging each of the 61 members received $50,000 before signing. Agbese denied this outright. “I have not received any amount of money from anybody,” he told the House, adding that his constituents were flooding him with calls. “This is my integrity. I never signed any document, and I never will.”
He demanded a House investigation, saying his legislative privilege had been breached. “The person who signed this document, Honourable Seyi, I have not seen him since December 2025. I am at a loss.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas noted the motion and promised action in due course, but the calm was short-lived. Ugochinyere rose on a point of personal explanation, insisting no forgery occurred. He claimed Agbese had visited his office to append his signature after a caucus meeting where an overwhelming majority had selected him. “I will provide evidence and witnesses,” Ugochinyere declared.
Agbese shot back, denying ever signing. Lawmakers erupted, shouting from their seats as the Speaker struggled for several minutes to restore order. He announced a minority caucus meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. to settle the dispute.
Hon. Solomon Bob of Rivers State weighed in, citing House Rule 7 (15) that only experienced members can hold principal officer positions. He argued Ugochinyere had barely three years in the House compared to more seasoned opposition lawmakers.
The Speaker maintained all contributions would be addressed at the caucus meeting and moved on with the day’s agenda.
