House minority leadership: DSS asked to examine claims over endorsement process

The Centre for Legislative Accountability and Democratic Integrity (CLADI) has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), calling for an investigation into allegations surrounding the process that led to the endorsement of candidates for minority leadership positions in the House of Representatives. In a petition titled “Request for Immediate Investigation into Alleged Financial Inducement of […]

The Centre for Legislative Accountability and Democratic Integrity (CLADI) has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), calling for an investigation into allegations surrounding the process that led to the endorsement of candidates for minority leadership positions in the House of Representatives.

In a petition titled “Request for Immediate Investigation into Alleged Financial Inducement of Members of the House of Representatives in the Contest for Minority Leadership Position,” the group urged the DSS to examine claims relating to the endorsement process involving opposition lawmakers.

The petition, dated June 5, 2026, and signed by the group’s National President, Dr. Usman Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Barrister Chika Nwafor, said the allegations raised concerns about the integrity of the leadership selection process within the House.

The petition followed the emergence of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, as the preferred candidate of a majority of opposition lawmakers following the resignation of Hon. Kingsley Chinda as Minority Leader.

According to CLADI, public confidence in the legislature could be affected if concerns surrounding the endorsement process are not independently examined.

“The National Assembly occupies a sacred position in our constitutional democracy. Any suggestion that principal officers of the parliament are being produced through financial inducement rather than democratic consensus represents a direct assault on the integrity of the legislature and must be thoroughly investigated,” the petition stated.

The organisation urged the DSS to establish the facts surrounding reports that financial incentives may have been offered during consultations leading to the endorsement of candidates.

“We are compelled to bring this matter to your attention because of widespread reports alleging that substantial sums of foreign currency were offered to lawmakers to secure their signatures and support. While these claims remain allegations, their gravity requires urgent and impartial investigation,” the letter stated.

CLADI said Nigerians deserved clarity on the circumstances surrounding the endorsements.

“The question before the nation is simple: were these endorsements products of conviction and consensus, or were they procured through monetary inducement? The answer is critical to public trust in the legislative institution,” the petition added.

The group also urged the DSS to examine relevant records and materials that could assist investigators in determining the authenticity of the claims.

According to the petition, any person found to have violated the law should be held accountable through due process.

“No individual should be allowed to compromise the credibility of the House of Representatives. If public officers exchanged money to influence the emergence of parliamentary leaders, such conduct amounts to a betrayal of the electorate and an affront to democratic values,” the petition stated.

CLADI further warned that failure to investigate the allegations could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and the processes through which legislative leaders emerge.