Despite the controversy that erupted in the House of Representatives over the minority leader nomination, the G-60 Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives says its members will not shift ground in their determination to back the nomination of Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere.
The group in a statement issued on Saturday (6/6/26) and jointly signed by Hon. Mukthar Umar and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, dismissed reports suggesting that it is seeking a fresh process for the emergence of a new Minority Leader, declaring that its position on the nomination of Hon Ugochinyere remains unchanged.
The minority caucus made it clear that its members have not withdrawn Ugochinyere’s nomination but is only asking for a transparent verification of signatures already submitted by lawmakers in support of his candidacy.
The lawmakers further explained that the request before the leadership of the House is simply to confirm the authenticity of the signatures attached to the nomination document following concerns raised by some members.
The caucus pointed out that Ugochinyere already enjoys the backing of the majority of Minority members and that any disagreement over endorsements can easily be settled through a verification exercise.
The Legislators therefore appealed to the leadership of the House of Representatives to respect what it described as the democratic decision of the majority of Minority lawmakers.
“We are not calling for a new election or fresh nomination process. Rather, we are requesting a transparent verification of the signatures and nominations already submitted by members of the Minority Caucus.
“The nomination of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere was duly endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Minority members, and any concerns regarding individual endorsements can be resolved through a straightforward verification exercise.
“We therefore urge the leadership of the House to respect the democratic decision of the majority of Minority members and proceed with the verification of the existing nominations instead of initiating a new process,” the statement concluded.
Recall, Labour Party lawmaker, Hon. Philip Agbese, had told the House during Thursday’s plenary that he did not support Ugochinyere’s nomination, alleging that his signature was forged, an allegation that has been dismissed by Ugochinyere who has provided CCTV evidence .
