A total of 61 out of the 81 opposition members in the House of Representatives have reportedly nominated Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as the next Minority Leader following the defection of former Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, drawn from parties including the ADC, APGA, Labour Party (LP), PRP, APP, APM, SDP and Accord Party, conveyed their decision in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State and currently chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), is considered the leading contender for the position based on the support of the majority of opposition lawmakers.

However, the nomination has reportedly sparked opposition from some lawmakers who are said to be backing Hon. Frederick Agbedi, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, for the role.

Those opposed to Ugochinyere’s emergence are said to argue that he belongs to the Action Peoples Party (APP), one of the smallest parties in the House with only two members. They also contend that since the position was vacated by Chinda, who is from the South-South geopolitical zone, the office should remain within the region.

Attention is now focused on Speaker Abbas and the House leadership, who are expected to determine whether the nomination submitted by the 61 opposition lawmakers will be formally recognised.