Why I withdrew as Reps Minority Leader-designate — Ugochinyere

Opposition lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has withdrawn his nomination as Minority Leader-designate of the House of Representatives following a recent amendment to the House Rules governing the emergence of principal officers.

Mr Ugochinyere announced his decision during plenary on Thursday, citing changes to the eligibility requirements for leadership positions within the Minority Caucus.

The lawmaker had recently emerged as the preferred candidate for the position after securing the endorsement of 60 opposition lawmakers drawn from various political parties in the House.

In a letter dated June 10, 2026, and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ugochinyere said his withdrawal was informed by the need to respect the amended provisions of the House Rules and preserve the integrity of the institution.

According to the letter, the nomination by the majority of minority lawmakers was valid under the rules that existed at the time it was made, but subsequent amendments had altered the framework upon which the nomination was based.

“I write on behalf of the Group of 60 out of the 82 Minority Members of the House of Representatives, and in my personal capacity, to formally communicate the withdrawal of the nomination earlier submitted to your office for my emergence as Minority Leader-designate,” the letter stated.

He explained that while the nomination process reflected the wishes of the majority of opposition lawmakers, the revised rules now required strict compliance with new eligibility conditions, making it necessary for him to step aside.

Ugochinyere emphasized that his decision was not borne out of personal considerations but was aimed at upholding the supremacy of the House Rules and ensuring institutional stability.

“In the interest of preserving the integrity of the institution, demonstrating respect for the authority of the House, and ensuring strict compliance with the amended provisions, I hereby withdraw and relinquish any claim to the position of Minority Leader-designate arising from the said nomination,” he wrote.

The lawmaker further reaffirmed the commitment of the group of 60 minority lawmakers to the unity of the opposition caucus and the smooth functioning of the House.

He noted that the withdrawal would pave the way for a fresh nomination process in line with the amended rules and the preferences of minority members.

“The Group of 60 remains committed to the unity of the Minority Caucus, the stability of the House, and the continued advancement of democratic and legislative ideals. We trust that this step will facilitate a seamless transition to a fresh nomination process consistent with the amended provisions and the wishes of Minority Members,” the letter added.

The development is expected to trigger a new round of consultations among opposition lawmakers as they seek to nominate a candidate who meets the revised eligibility criteria for the position of Minority Leader.

The Minority Caucus in the House comprises lawmakers from several opposition parties and plays a key role in providing legislative scrutiny and alternative policy perspectives within the National Assembly.