The Centre for Legislative Accountability and Democratic Integrity (CLADI) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations of financial inducement in the contest for the minority leadership of the House of Representatives.

In a petition dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the DSS, the group alleged that some opposition lawmakers may have received monetary incentives to support the emergence of a preferred candidate for the minority leader position.

The petition, signed by CLADI’s National President, Dr. Usman Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Barrister Chika Nwafor, specifically urged the security agency to investigate Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who recently emerged as the preferred choice of a majority of opposition lawmakers following the resignation of Hon. Kingsley Chinda as minority leader.

According to the organisation, reports alleging that lawmakers were offered as much as $50,000 each to secure their endorsement of a candidate raise serious concerns about the credibility of the process and the integrity of the National Assembly.

“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.

CLADI said it was necessary for investigators to determine whether any financial transactions influenced consultations and endorsements linked to the minority leadership contest.

“We are compelled to bring this matter to your attention because of widespread reports alleging that substantial sums of foreign currency ($50,000) were offered to lawmakers to secure their signatures and support. While these claims remain allegations, their gravity requires urgent and impartial investigation,” the group said.

The organisation argued that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether the endorsements were based on genuine conviction or financial considerations.

“The question before the nation is simple: were these endorsements products of conviction and consensus, or were they procured through monetary inducement?” the petition added.

CLADI further urged the DSS to examine bank records, communication logs and other relevant materials capable of verifying the allegations. It also called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or status.

The group warned that failure to investigate the claims could undermine public confidence in the legislature and create a precedent where leadership positions within democratic institutions are influenced by financial power rather than democratic choice.