Nigeria: Civil group asks DSS to probe cash claims in House minority leader race

A civil society organization has formally requested Nigeria's Department of State Services to investigate allegations of financial inducement in the contest for the House of Representatives' Minority Leader position. The Centre for Legislative Accountability and Democratic Integrity (CLADI) filed a petition on June 5, 2026, citing concerns over the integrity of the selection process.

The petition follows the resignation of the former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and the subsequent emergence of Imo State lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere as the preferred candidate of several opposition lawmakers. This development has drawn significant political attention within and outside the National Assembly.

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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.

CLADI's petition, signed by its National President Usman Abdullahi and National Secretary Chika Nwafor, urges the DSS to examine reports surrounding the endorsement process. The organization highlighted widespread claims that substantial foreign currency was offered to lawmakers to secure their signatures and support. "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 group stated.

Adding to the controversy, House Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese denied on the floor of the House that his signature was forged on an endorsement for Ugochinyere. He also refuted claims of collecting money to support any candidate vying to succeed Chinda. CLADI emphasized that an independent inquiry is necessary to bolster public confidence in the legislature and ensure transparency in selecting parliamentary leaders.

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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.