The Minority Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives has announced the appointment of Mr. Afam Victor Ogene as its Spokesperson.
The decision was reached at an online meeting of the Caucus held on 19th June, 2026.
Mr. Ogene is the Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives and he represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State.
The Leader of the Caucus, Mr. Fredrick Agbedi said; “Mr. Ogene is a ranking legislator and respected parliamentarian, who will bring to the role a wealth of legislative experience, deep understanding of parliamentary procedure, and an unflinching commitment to the defence of democratic ideals.
“As Spokesperson, Ogene, an award-winning journalist and editor, will articulate the positions of the Minority Caucus on national issues, ensure effective communication with the Nigerian people, and uphold the Caucus’s constitutional duty of holding the Executive to account. The Caucus is confident that his appointment will strengthen its engagement with citizens and reinforce the principles of checks and balances in the 10th Assembly,” he ststed
The Minority Caucus urged members of the press and the public to accord Ogene all necessary cooperation as he discharges this responsibility on behalf of the Caucus
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, through its newly appointed Spokesman, Mr Victor Ogene, has expressed concern over a statement credited to the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Akin Rotimi Jr, who reportedly spoke on behalf of the “House” in response to concerns raised by the caucus on insecurity and worsening hardship in the country.
The Minority Caucus reminded the House Spokesman that it is the constitutional duty of Parliament to hold the Executive to account.
He said that “the constitutional position has not changed, thus, the legislature must never look away when the country bleeds.”
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives also reiterated its position that Parliament is not and will not be subordinate to the Executive, insisting it will continue to speak on behalf of Nigerians regardless of partisan differences.
It described the use of the phrase “House notes” in the statement as improper and misleading, noting that no plenary session or formal resolution authorised any collective position on the matter since the last sitting on June 15, 2026.
The Minority Caucus maintained that the House Spokesman may speak for the Speaker, House leadership or the Majority Caucus, but lacks the mandate to present his views as the position of the entire House or to misrepresent the Minority Caucus.
It further stressed that issues raised by the caucus fall within the constitutional oversight functions of the National Assembly, adding that it is not the duty of the House Spokesman to defend the Executive.
Citing Sections 14(2)(b) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the caucus said Parliament is mandated to ensure accountability in governance, including exposing inefficiency and mismanagement.
The Minority Caucus also demanded a public apology from the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs for what it described as misrepresentation, warning that failure to comply within 72 hours would lead to a petition before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
It also said it would, upon resumption of plenary, raise concerns over the persistent non-implementation of the national budget since 2024, particularly in defence and security sectors, which it claimed had recorded low levels of implementation.
The Minority Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to continue speaking for Nigerians, saying this remains a constitutional duty rather than partisan opposition.
