Agbedi emerges as minority leader in House of Reps – THISAGE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

The House of Representatives announced the formation of a new leadership team for its minority caucus on Thursday, ending weeks of consultations, pressure and internal disagreements among opposition lawmakers over the composition of the caucus’ leadership.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the appointments during plenary, appointing Fred Agbedi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, as the new Minority Leader of the 10th House.

Also appointed were Abdulsamad Dasuki of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), representing Sokoto State, as deputy minority leader, and Mansur Manu Soro of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), representing Bauchi State, as Minority Whip.

The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty within the opposition caucus following the exit of former minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, who resigned from office to pursue his governorship ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reading a letter from members of the minority caucus in the House, President Abbas said Agbedi’s emergence was a result of a consensus reached by opposition MPs, who described the Bayelsa MP as one of the most experienced members of the House.

The President noted that the appointments rounded out the corps of key House officials and assured the new minority leadership of the House leadership’s cooperation in advancing legislative business and implementing the House agenda.

“House leadership will continue to work with minority leadership to advance the institution’s cause and ensure effective legislative engagement,” Abbas said.

The development came amid growing tension within opposition ranks over who should succeed Chinda.

Prior to Thursday’s announcement, some lawmakers had openly supported Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South federal constituency of Imo State, for the position.

Reports indicated that more than 60 opposition MPs had signed a letter in support of Ugochinyere’s nomination.

However, the process became mired in controversy following allegations that some signatures in the document were contested by lawmakers, triggering disagreements within the caucus.

Tensions spilled onto the House floor on Thursday when Ugochinyere and a group of supporters reportedly entered the chamber shouting “No announcement, no sitting,” demanding the immediate presentation of the minority leadership team before legislative proceedings could continue.

Among the legislators said to have supported Ugochinyere’s candidature were Jesse Okey-Joe of Lagos State, Aliyu Mustapha of Kaduna State, Afam Ogene of Anambra State and Aliyu Misau of Bauchi State.

However, following the President’s announcement, Ugochinyere joined other opposition MPs in congratulating the newly appointed key officials, effectively easing tensions within the caucus.

The announcement was met with applause and jubilation from opposition members, many of whom had insisted that the leadership positions be filled without further delay.

Agbedi, a high-ranking lawmaker and multi-term member of the House, is widely seen as one of the most experienced lawmakers in the opposition bloc.

As minority leader, he is expected to coordinate opposition activities in the Green Chamber and serve as the leading voice of minority parties on legislative issues.

Meanwhile, George Ozodinobi, who had acted as minority leader following Chinda’s departure, returned to his previous position as deputy minority leader.

With these appointments, the House leadership has formally resolved the vacancy in the opposition hierarchy, paving the way for a more coordinated minority caucus as lawmakers continue deliberations on key national issues.

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