The G-60 bloc of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives has strongly rejected claims that signatures used in support of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere’s nomination for Minority Leader were falsified, insisting that every lawmaker who endorsed the document did so willingly.
The group made its position known in a statement released on Thursday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Hon. Mukhtar Umar, and Secretary, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
The response followed allegations raised by the Deputy House Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, who claimed during plenary that his signature was included in the nomination document without his approval.
Dismissing the accusation, the caucus said the endorsement process was genuine and transparent, adding that a majority of minority lawmakers openly backed Ugochinyere’s nomination.
According to the group, 61 members out of the 81-member Minority Caucus signed in support of Ugochinyere to occupy the leadership position left vacant after former Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and later secured the party’s governorship ticket in Rivers State.
The lawmakers maintained that Agbese was actively involved in the endorsement exercise and described his forgery allegation as inaccurate and misleading.
To support their position, the caucus claimed it possesses video footage allegedly showing Agbese personally signing the nomination document. The group said the recording would be released publicly to clear any doubts surrounding the matter.
The statement stressed that all endorsements were obtained legally and voluntarily, adding that no signature on the document was forged.
The caucus further urged Nigerians and members of the media to ignore reports suggesting manipulation of the nomination process, insisting that the exercise followed democratic principles and can be verified through available evidence.
The lawmakers also warned against attempts to undermine what they described as a legitimate internal process, saying such actions could create unnecessary division within the opposition ranks.
Reaffirming their commitment to fairness and due process, the G-60 members said they remain focused on protecting the collective interests of minority lawmakers and strengthening unity within the opposition caucus in the House of Representatives.