A fresh controversy has erupted over the race for the Minority Leader position in the House of Representatives following the emergence of a video reportedly showing Hon. Philip Agbese endorsing Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the role.
The footage, released by Ugochinyere’s camp and said to have been recorded on May 21, 2026, surfaced shortly after Agbese alleged during plenary that his signature had been forged on documents supporting Ugochinyere’s bid.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, invoked a point of privilege during Thursday’s session, insisting he never endorsed the Imo lawmaker and calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
He also rejected claims circulating on social media that he was paid $50,000 to support Ugochinyere’s ambition.
The allegation triggered tension in the chamber when Ugochinyere sought permission from the Speaker to address the issue.
The lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State firmly denied forging Agbese’s signature, insisting that the endorsement was personally signed by Agbese in the presence of several members of the House.
His remarks were met with strong objections from Agbese, who repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, insisting that he never signed any such document.
The exchange soon escalated into a heated confrontation, with lawmakers from both camps joining the argument and prompting Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to repeatedly intervene and restore order in the chamber.
