LAGOS: Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Frederick Agbedi, has emerged as the new Minority Leader of the House of Representatives following recent leadership changes within the opposition caucus.
Agbedi’s elevation comes in the wake of the resignation of former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda of Rivers State, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, leaving a vacuum in the leadership structure of opposition lawmakers in the Green Chamber.
His nomination was conveyed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in a letter submitted by the minority caucus during Thursday’s plenary session.
Reading the letter on the floor of the House, Abbas announced that members of the opposition bloc had reached a consensus on filling the vacant principal offices allocated to minority parties.
According to the Speaker, Agbedi was unanimously endorsed as Minority Leader, while Hon. Mansur Soro of the Allied Peoples Movement, representing Bauchi State, emerged as Minority Whip. Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki of the African Democratic Congress from Sokoto State was named Deputy Minority Leader.
Abbas congratulated the newly appointed principal officers, noting that their emergence completed the leadership structure of the 10th House.
“Today the body of principal officers is complete, and I want to congratulate the three members and wish them success in their new responsibilities,” the Speaker said.
Agbedi, one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the House, has represented Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency since 2011. His emergence places him at the forefront of coordinating opposition lawmakers and presenting the positions of minority parties on legislative matters.
Political observers believe his appointment comes at a crucial period, as defections and political realignments continue to reshape the landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The new leadership team is expected to strengthen the voice of the opposition and provide effective scrutiny of government policies in an APC-dominated parliament.
Shortly after the announcement, Imo lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, who had earlier been nominated for the position of Minority Leader, formally stepped down from the race.
He cited recent amendments to the House Rules and the introduction of fresh eligibility requirements for principal officers as reasons for his withdrawal.
The emergence of Agbedi and other minority leaders is expected to bring stability to the opposition bloc after weeks of uncertainty triggered by Chinda’s defection and the subsequent contest for key leadership positions.
Speaker Abbas also assured the new principal officers of the support of the House leadership.
“The leadership of the House will work with them assiduously to ensure that we achieve the legislative objectives of this important 10th Assembly,” he said.
For the Peoples Democratic Party, which remains the largest opposition party in the House despite recent defections, Agbedi’s emergence is seen as a strategic move aimed at preserving unity within the minority caucus and maintaining its influence in parliamentary affairs.
