The leadership crisis within the opposition caucus in the House of Representatives took a new turn on Thursday as Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Hon. Fred Agbedi of Bayelsa State as the new Minority Leader of the 10th House of Representatives.
Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki was nominated to serve as deputy minority leader. Rep. Mansur Soro was named Minority Whip.
Agbedi, who represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was named to lead opposition lawmakers in the Green Chamber following days of intense lobbying and disagreement over the position.
The announcement comes after a heated contest over the minority leadership seat, with several opposition lawmakers previously backing Imo lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere for the role.
According to reports, more than 60 opposition members had signed a letter supporting Ugochinyere’s nomination, leading to debate within the caucus.
The race also sparked controversy after allegations emerged that some signatures on the nomination document were disputed by lawmakers, resulting in sharp exchanges on the floor of the House.
With his emergence, Agbedi is expected to coordinate opposition activities in the House and serve as the leading voice of minority parties in legislative matters.
A ranking lawmaker from Bayelsa State, Agbedi has served multiple terms in the House of Representatives and is regarded as one of the experienced members of the opposition caucus.
He represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency and has previously held key political positions in Bayelsa State.
