CCTV Footage Contradicts Agbese's Denial of Endorsement

Hon. Philip Agbese (Rep, Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu), representing Ado Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, denied endorsing Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as the new Minority Leader. However, CCTV footage captured Agbese arriving at Ugochinyere's office on May 21, 2026, at 5 PM to sign the endorsement document.

This revelation triggered a chaotic session in the House of Representatives, where Agbese moved a motion to explain allegations of forgery regarding the signatures on the endorsement document. The controversy arose following the resignation of Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Rep, Obio Akpor) from the position of Minority Leader.

During the session, Agbese expressed shock at seeing a list of members endorsing Ugochinyere circulating on social media. Speaker Abba Tajudeen noted that the House would investigate the matter, while Ugochinyere responded that Agbese was absent from the Minority Caucus meeting where the new leader was selected.

The session involved 61 members endorsing Ugochinyere, raising questions about the legitimacy of the endorsement process.