Reps minority leadership: CSO urges DSS to probe cash-induced endorsements claims

File: Lawmaker representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Legislative Accountability and Democratic Integrity, has petitioned the Department of State Services to investigate allegations of financial inducement in the contest for the Minority Leader position in the House of Representatives following the emergence of Imo lawmaker, Ikenga Ugochinyere, as the preferred candidate of some opposition lawmakers. The petition, dated June 5, 2026, was signed by CLADI’s National President, Usman Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Chika Nwafor. Titled, “Request for immediate investigation into alleged financial inducement of members of the House of Representatives in the contest for minority leadership position”, the petition followed recent developments within the opposition caucus of the House after the resignation of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda. Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, recently emerged as the preferred candidate of a majority of opposition lawmakers for the minority leadership position, a development that has generated political interest within and outside the National Assembly. On Thursday, House Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, claimed on the floor of the Green Chamber that his signature was forged, stating that at no time did he endorse Ugochinyere, while also denying collecting money in support of any lawmaker to succeed Chinda. In its petition, CLADI urged the DSS to examine reports surrounding the endorsement process and determine whether lawmakers were influenced through monetary inducement to support particular candidates. “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 organisation stated in its petition. The group said an independent inquiry had become necessary to strengthen public confidence in the legislature and ensure transparency in the selection of parliamentary leaders. “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 petition