Members in the House of Representatives of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been directed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to select their principal officers and inform the party of their decision on Monday, June 17.

A reliable source disclosed that reps were mandated to select their principal officers in a cordial manner, just like in the Senate, when they met with the party’s leadership on Friday, June 14, Thisday

It was gathered that Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the House, is being tipped as the natural choice to fill the slot of minority leader.

The source reportedly stated: “In any case, as former speaker, he has assumed leadership naturally and has been the one coordinating our members in the House.”

Adding that; “He is good to get it, except he declines the offer.”

Another source reportedly disclosed that the party’s national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, presided over the meeting.

Dogara was reportedly picked to become minority leader to avoid accusations of imposition of principal officers on members. The source said: “At the meeting, the party’s members of the House were in attendance and the party directed that they should meet on their own and inform the NWC of those chosen before Tuesday.

“The party does not want to be accused of any preferential treatment.” The source said pressure from the National Assembly leadership as regards minority inputs into committees set up to treat some assignments, was what informed the need for the deadline.

Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not yet appointed leaders in both chambers, the source said this is not an issue since the ruling party already has the Senate presidency and House speakership which could represent its interests during the assignments.

The offices of minority leader, deputy minority leader, minority whip and deputy minority whip are up for grabs.

According to reports, Hon Ndudi Elumelu and Dr Ossai Ossai, two Delta reps, are also gunning for the minority leader slot.

Dr Leo Ogor, the minority leader in the 8th House of Representatives, did not return to the 9th Assembly.

Recalled that the senator representing Abia South at the upper legislative chamber, Enyinnaya Abaribe, became the minority leader of the ninth Senate.

He emerged at a meeting of the PDP at the Maitama residence of the party’s national chairman, Uche Secondus. Senator Emmanuel Bwacha from Taraba South was returned as deputy minority leader while Senator Philips Aduda (FCT) was retained as the minority whip.