A House of Representatives hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, David Ayuba Dumwe has dragged the Federal High Court Lafia to contest the alleged emergence of Beauty Sudar Aliyu as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 general elections.

In suit number FHC/LF/CS/9/2026, Dumwe is seeking a judicial intervention over what he called an unlawful declaration of a candidate without due consultation and compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The second and third defendants are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Beauty Sudar Aliyu respectively.

The plaintiff says in court documents that the PDP declared Aliyu as its consensus candidate without his consent as an aspirant and without a valid primary election for the constituency.

According to Dumwe, the move was allegedly in violation of the recognized democratic processes and the pertinent clauses pertaining to the nomination of candidates for public offices.

Thus the aspirant is praying that the court determines the legality of the purported consensus arrangement and the party’s nomination process for the federal constituency seat.

He said that every aspirant looking for an elective position under a political party is entitled to a fair and legal process as provided for in the Electoral Act and the constitution of the party.

The suit comes at a time of heightened political activities and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections as parties across the country conclude processes for selection of candidates.

The Federal High Court in Lafia has adjourned hearing of the matter until June 16, 2026.

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Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Bishop Philip Agbese, has provided further clarification regarding the controversy surrounding a document allegedly linked to the purported move to elevate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere to a minority leadership position in the House.
The clarification comes after CCTV footage surfaced online showing Hon. Agbese signing a document, which some individuals have claimed was evidence that he supported the alleged leadership arrangement.
However, Hon. Agbese maintained that while the individual seen in the footage is indeed him, the document he signed had nothing to do with the elevation of any lawmaker to a leadership position in the House.
According to him, the document in question was related to the welfare of members and the agitation for the implementation and delivery of constituency projects, stressing that it was entirely different from the narrative currently being circulated online and in some sections of the media.
Agbese challenged those promoting the allegation to provide evidence showing that the document he signed was specifically intended to support Hon. Ugochinyere’s emergence as Minority Leader.
“Let anyone provide video evidence that the document was meant to elevate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere,” he reportedly stated, insisting that the purpose of the document has been deliberately misrepresented.
The lawmaker had earlier raised concerns on the floor of the House over a document purportedly bearing his signature and allegedly linked to the minority leadership issue. He firmly denied the allegation and distanced himself from the interpretation being given to the document.
Proceedings in the House reportedly became tense when Hon. Ugochinyere attempted to convince lawmakers that Hon. Agbese had indeed signed the document in support of his leadership aspiration. In response, Agbese vehemently rejected the claim, insisting

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There was a heated exchange in the House of Representatives on Thursday between a member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese and his fellow lawmaker, Ikenga Ugochinyere.

It was gathered that the crisis erupted when Agbese alleged that Ugochinyere used his signature without authorisation in a document purportedly nominating him for the office of minority leader.

Agbese told the House that he was shocked to discover a document in circulation online with his name and signature in support of Ugochinyere’s bid for the opposition leadership position.

He said he had held discussions with several lawmakers including Ugochinyere on issues of the welfare of minority lawmakers and constituency projects but never endorsed any nomination document.

“I feel my legislative privilege has been breached because if I sign this document, that amounts to forgery for my signature to be used for purposes for which it was not intended,” Agbese stated.

He urged the House leadership to probe the matter and stop what he described as more attempts by Ugochinyere and his cohorts to smear his image.

He also dismissed reports circulating on social media that some lawmakers were given $50,000 to support one of the candidates for the minority leadership position.

“My constituents have been reaching out to me. I have not received any sum of money from any person and I shall not receive. “This is my integrity,” he told me.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen replied that he heard Agbese’s complaints and assured him of looking into the matter.

“We will return to you on the issue you have raised in due course. But again, I want to bring to the notice of all the minority members that I am calling all the minority members of this House for a closed-door meeting today by 2 p.m. so that we can discuss further,” Abbas said.

Things, however, took a turn for the worse when Ugochinyere sought the indulgence of the Speaker to make a personal explanation insisting that, the allegations made against him on the floor and during a live broadcast could not go unanswered.

The Imo lawmaker denied the forgery allegation, saying that Agbese personally signed the nomination form to support his ambition to become the minority leader.

He said Agbese came to a meeting venue and voluntarily endorsed his nomination in the presence of several lawmakers who could testify to the development.

Agbese cut him off several times, yelling, “I never did that!” His remarks were greeted with loud protests.

The exchange devolved into a shouting match with lawmakers on both sides joining in and the Speaker having to repeatedly call for order as some members tried to calm the situation.

Despite the uproar, Ugochinyere said his nomination had the support of most opposition lawmakers.

“I understand that at the moment the overwhelming majority of 61 members out of 81 opposition members voted for me. “They will go to this level of desperation, I never thought it will come to this level, it may not be palatable to some people,” he said.

The charge of forgery was “a treacherous lie,” he said, and he would produce witnesses present at the signing of the nomination document.

The Speaker again intervened, telling the lawmakers to stop trading words and let the issue be addressed at the planned meeting of opposition members.

But before normalcy could be restored, another lawmaker rose on a point of order, saying that Ugochinyere’s claim that he was elected by opposition members should be expunged from the records of the House as the matter was not formally before the chamber.

The lawmaker said the only official way for the opposition caucus to determine and present its leadership to the House was through an official vote and that any declaration made on the floor was a personal opinion.410

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The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Thursday, June 4, as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, accused the signatures on a circulated list of opposition lawmakers purportedly endorsing Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader, were forged.

It was gathered that the controversy followed reports that 61 members of the Minority Caucus allegedly appended their signatures to a document nominating Ugochinyere, a member of the Action People’s Party, for the principal office.

Agbese’s name and signature were said to be on the list, a development he denied on the floor of the House.

The issue was compounded by a report from an online newspaper, Aljazirah, which alleged that each of the 61 lawmakers received $50,000 before signing the document.

Agbese Wants Motion of Privilege
Agbese, who rose on a motion of personal privilege, said the publication and the use of his name on the endorsement list had violated his privilege as a member of the House and that of the Minority Caucus.

He said his signature was forged and he did not sign any document nominating Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader.

“I saw yesterday on the internet a document with my name on it, allegedly nominating a member of this House for the position of minority leader,” he said.

Agbese said he had spoken with several lawmakers including Ugochinyere, but said the talks were not about endorsing anyone for the position of Minority Leader.

He said his dealings with Ugochinyere was in respect of the welfare of minority lawmakers and issues of constituency projects.

I had spoken and argued and visited many members of this house. One of the people I had such discussions with was my colleague, Honourable Ikenga Ugochinyere. Our discussion was basically around the welfare of members of the minority.

“Number two was on the issue of the executive not adhering to issues to do with our constituency projects,” he said.

‘My Signature Was Faked’
Agbese said he did not give anyone the permission to put his name and signature on the list of nominations.

He said he hadn’t seen the individual who allegedly signed the document on his behalf in months.

“The person who signed this document, Honourable Seyi, I have not seen him since December 2025, so I am at a loss and I feel that my legislative privilege has been breached because this amounts to forgery for my signature to be used for purposes which were not intended,” he said.

The legislator also denied receiving any money from anyone related to the alleged endorsement.

“I read on a social media blog that members were given so much money. “I did not get any amount of money from anybody,” he said.

Agbese said the allegation had raised concerns among his constituents who have been calling him for clarification.

“My constituents have been phoning me up. This isn’t the first time I’ve been named in an issue like this. “I don’t want to be involved, and I don’t want my name to be further besmirched as far as this is concerned because I have a right as a member of this House to have my privileges fully protected,” he added.

He said further that the matter had to do with his personal integrity and should be properly investigated by the House.

“This is me being honest. I mean, I never signed any document and I never received any amount of money and I will never do.

“I will bring the list to the House plus the link to the online report for this House to look into the matter,” he said.

House will act, speaker says
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that Agbese’s motion had been noted and assured that the House would take appropriate action when the time comes.

However, shortly after the ruling, Ugochinyere stood on a motion of personal explanation, arguing that he needed to respond to the allegations made against him on live broadcast.

He told the House that Agbese was not present at the meeting where he was elected by what he called an overwhelming majority of the Minority Caucus.

“But he said Agbese later came to his office to affix his signature on the document already signed by other members who supported his emergence.

“I shall produce evidence and witnesses to support my position. “I insist that there was no forgery.

Naija News learnt that the chamber became rowdy after Agbese interrupted Ugochinyere by saying that he never signed any document.

Several lawmakers jumped from their seats and got into a shouting match, and the Speaker repeatedly called for calm.

After a few minutes of disorder, Abbas reminded members that a meeting of the Minority Caucus had already been scheduled for 2pm, where the issue would be discussed at length.

A number of members, however, held up their hands to speak on the issue despite the Speaker’s intervention.

Rivers Lawmakers protest over Ugochinyere’s attempt
Solomon Bob, a member of the APC from Rivers State, cited House Rule 7(15) that only experienced members should hold principal offices.

Bob said Ugochinyere had spent less than three years in the House while opposition lawmakers had more than 10 years of legislative experience.

He stressed that Ugochinyere must not be allowed to emerge as the Minority Leader.

Another APC lawmaker from Rivers State, Dagomie Abiante, also spoke, saying that Ugochinyere’s explanation should not be allowed to enter the records of the House.

Abiante argued that the position canvassed by Ugochinyere should be ignored and expunged from the records.

But speaker Abbas said all inputs and grievances on the issue should be taken to the Minority Caucus meeting.

He then moved the House to the order of the day, bringing the heated exchange on the floor to an end.

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The member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has been confirmed as the Labour Party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Agbese has been endorsed by members of Labour Party from the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency at a stakeholders meeting attended by thousands of party faithful on Saturday.

The affirmation is coming months after Agbese defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to the Labour Party in face of the lingering internal crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the ruling party.

Party officials and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the exercise.

The Returning Officer said the affirmation process was participated by members across the constituency and results showed that Agbese scored 17,789 votes in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, 17,767 votes in Okpokwu Local Government Area and 17,750 votes in Ado Local Government Area.

More than 53,306 votes were cast by party members and supporters across the three councils in the exercise.

Party leaders said the emergence of both candidates demonstrated unity and resolve to boost the Labour Party’s presence in Benue South.

Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Agbese thanked the party members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to continue to provide effective representation to the people of Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Federal Constituency.

He assured party supporters of his readiness to deliver the democratic dividends and the interest of the constituency at the National Assembly.

“I am very humbled by the overwhelming show of confidence by members of the Labour Party across Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu.

This affirmation is not just for Philip Agbese; it is a mandate to continue serving our people with dedication, integrity and results.”

The journey to 2027 has started and together we shall build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Enone Federal Constituency .

“Politics is supposed to be about service, not personal ambition. I remain committed to attracting more development projects, creating opportunities for our youths and ensuring that the voice of our people remains strong in the National Assembly.”

Some party stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed confidence in Agbese’s leadership and performance, saying his legislative interventions and constituency projects have endeared him to the people.

They said his confirmation was a demonstration of the massive support he enjoys across the federal constituency and expressed optimism that the Labour Party would win big in the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Prince Onuh, had emerged as the consensus candidate of the Labour Party for Benue South Senatorial District for the 2027 general elections.

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In what appears to be a political twist, the son of former National Chairman, All Progressive Congress, APC, AbdulAziz Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has purchased a form to contest for the House of Representatives for Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/ Rimin Gado seat.

AbdulAziz who left his family homes to work with Kwankwaso was seen in a clip explaining to Kwankwaso about his mission.

AbdulAziz would now be squaring off with an APC candidate in one of the hottest contests for the House of Representatives seat in Kano with these moves.

Since the time when Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC, the party has continued to gain ground in Kano.

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The dates of the Labour Party’s primaries earlier fixed for May 27 and May 29, 2026 have been rescheduled.

Now all of its primaries will be held at the same time Saturday, May 30, 2026, the party said.

Primaries affected are for the offices of President, Governor, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.

This was stated in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa.

The statement said the governorship and State Houses of Assembly primaries are earlier scheduled to hold on May 27, 2026.

The presidential and National Assembly primaries were also originally scheduled for 29 May 2026.

But the party said the dates had been moved due to a clash with big national events.

“This decision became necessary after the coincidence of the earlier dates with two important national events,” said the statement.

May 27 date also coincides with the 2026 Eid el-Kabir, also called Eid al-Adha, Asogwa said.

He said May 29 would also mark the third anniversary of the inauguration of elected public office holders across the country.

He said the party considered both the events very important and decided to adjust its timetable so that members and aspirants could participate fully.

‘The Labour Party, a people-oriented and responsive political party, felt it appropriate to re-schedule its programme in order to give members, aspirants, supporters and Nigerians generally the opportunity to fully observe these important occasions in the recognition of the spiritual significance of the Sallah celebration and the national importance of the 29th May anniversary,’ he said.

The Labour Party said it regretted any inconvenience the change in schedule might cause aspirants, stakeholders, supporters and members of the public.

It also commended party members and Nigerians for their understanding and cooperation.

The party advised aspirants and stakeholders to take note of the new date and make necessary adjustments in preparation for the primaries.

The exercise is expected to determine the party’s candidates for the 2027 general elections across the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state legislative contests, it was gathered.

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A House of Representatives aspirant for the Obudu-Bekwarra-Obanliku Federal Constituency, Antonia Agbede-Ally, has alleged that there were no primaries in the constituency.

Agbede-Ally made the claim on Tuesday in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’.

She was reacting to the nationwide House of Representatives primary election that had just been completed.

“There was a lot of chaos before the supposed primaries. There was a meeting for all APC members in the region and I was not invited.

I forced my way into the hall where the Chairman of Obudu LGA and other dignitaries including the incumbent representative for the constituency, Hon Peter Akpanke of the House of Representatives were present.

“I was here when the Cross River State governor had directed that Hon. Akpanke should be supported, even when I and another aspirant were here and we wanted to contest, but we were told to support Hon. Akpanke.

My people had confirmed that they were directed to vote Peter Akpanke, there was no election conducted to that effect even in my local government,” she said.

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Actor Emeka Ike of Nollywood has declared his plan to run for the House of Representatives.

According to reports, the actor revealed this in a video that went viral on social media.

He declared that he would run for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency in Abuja.

“We want to make a federal statement, and I am running for the Federal House of Representatives under the Bwari/AMAC Constituency in Abuja,” he declared.

He responded, “If I’ve made you happy as Nigerians, I want to step into the real thing right now, let’s block those boys who think say na dem get power,” when asked what change he would make if elected.

“We don’t deserve to be begging; let’s take charge and reorganize our nation.

“I’m no longer upset with our politicians since it’s obvious they don’t give a damn about us. You Nigerians have my wrath. Proceed to gather your PVCs. Right now, that’s all the noise we require.
Okechukwu Pascal, popularly known as Chief Priest, is a Nigerian socialite and businessman who has denied losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Chief Priest reportedly revealed this in a statement on his Instagram page on Sunday, which runs counter to a previous video in which he claimed that just 14 people supported him in the primary and that his sole regret was “trusting the elders in the community.”

ChiefPriest claimed that once the party’s leadership approved its zoning scheme, he never took part in the exercise.

He emphasized that he was never seen at the election site and that the party’s decision was communicated to him in the early hours of Saturday, prior to the primary.

Chief Priest stated that he is still fully and steadfastly committed to President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, regardless of the election’s result.

“As a devoted progressive and devoted party man, I wish to clearly state my position,” the statement said. After consulting with Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State and our state’s party leader, His Excellency presented the party’s stance on zoning within the Federal Constituency and his determination to guarantee that Orlu LGA holds the position for at least two terms before it is transferred to another LGA.

He argued that, given that my older brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously spent three terms in the House, it was not my Local Government Area’s turn to hold the position at this time. The governor of Oru East, where he is from, concurred that it is just to let the incumbent resign. I respected and understood that viewpoint.

But I also made it plain that my choice and determination to run for the position sprang from my belief that the present occupant was failing to live up to the hopes and expectations of our people. Following the consultations, the party decided on its zoning plan, chose its preferred candidates, and asked them to enter the field.

“I decided not to go to the field out of respect for the party and its leadership, and I never did.” No one will claim to have seen me anywhere near the primary site. In actuality, I didn’t take part. I immediately made my way back to Lagos. My constituents can vouch for the fact that I was not present at any primary election locations.

“I stayed away entirely out of respect for the leadership and the internal understanding reached as soon as I was informed of the party’s choice in the early hours of Saturday before the primaries. Therefore, it is absurd that certain foolish individuals are trying to utilize my name for online propaganda and a needless trend.

“Unfortunately, some people who should normally know better have joined in the needless cruise and misinformation, which is a troubling aspect of the entire development.” However, once more, it is merely a well-known brand that draws attention and dragging attempts.

“Let me be clear: I owe no one anything because of my ambition. Driven by my own belief and desire to serve, the aim was wholly mine.

“I have no regrets at all about increasing political awareness and stakes in our constituency before the primary. Participation, conviction, and healthy involvement are the foundations of democracy, and I continue to be proud of the enthusiasm and support our movement has garnered throughout the district.

“For the record, I still firmly believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be reelected in 2027. I’ll keep up my active advocacy and mobilization efforts to ensure the Renewed Hope agenda succeeds. The thoughts, analysis, or social media cruise of ignorant people looking for relevance online won’t divert me.

Therefore, I urge all of my followers and City Boy Movement members to maintain composure, concentration, and allegiance to our wonderful party, the APC. We will launch further grassroots initiatives and strategic programs in the upcoming days to promote Asiwaju and Nigeria’s ongoing development.

“Today and forever, the APC is my party. I continue to be devoted to the principles and leadership of our wonderful party.We also strongly and unapologetically support the Asiwaju mission.

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The All Progressives Congress, APC, Primary Election Committee for the House of Representatives has declared the Oye-Ikole federal constituency in Ekiti North Senatorial District inconclusive.

The chairman of the committee and chief returning officer, Wasiu Adedoyin, who announced the result of Saturday’s election on Sunday morning, said the declaration was as a result of the challenges and crisis observed by the committee during the primary election.

He further stated that the final decision on the federal constituency will be taken by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC.

The spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi is seeking re-election and his main challenger is former lawmaker, Bimbo Daramola.

Adedoyin also announced the results of other constituencies, declaring Ibrahim Olarewaju winner for Ilejemeje, Ido-Osi, Moba federal constituency; Oladapo Karounwi-Ijero, Ekiti West, Efon; Femi Bamisile for Ekiti East, Emure, Gbonyin; Olusola Fatoba as the winner for Ado-Irepodun federal constituency; and Toyin Okoro – Ikere, Ekiti South West, Ise-Orun.

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