The Centre for Legislative Accountability and Democratic Integrity (CLADI) has formally petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into serious allegations of financial inducements involving members of the House of Representatives. These claims are linked to the contentious contest for minority leadership positions in the lower chamber. The petition, dated June 5, 2026, specifically titled “Request for Immediate Investigation into Alleged Financial Inducement of Members of the House of Representatives in the Contest for Minority Leadership Position,” urges the DSS to scrutinize reports that some lawmakers were offered substantial sums, reportedly foreign currency, to secure their support and signatures during consultations for the office of minority leader. CLADI’s National President, Dr Usman Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Barrister Chika Nwafor, signed the petition, emphasizing that such allegations, though unproven, severely threaten the integrity of the National Assembly and public confidence in the legislature.

The controversy intensified following the endorsement of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, by a large number of opposition lawmakers. This endorsement came after the resignation of Hon. Kingsley Chinda as minority leader, who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). CLADI expressed grave concerns that if principal officers are selected through financial inducements rather than democratic consensus, it constitutes a direct assault on the legislature’s integrity. The organization demanded that investigators examine financial records, communication exchanges, and other pertinent materials, further advocating for the prosecution of any culpable individuals, regardless of their political affiliation or status. CLADI warned that a failure to investigate these claims could establish a dangerous precedent, suggesting that leadership within democratic institutions could be perceived as being swayed by financial considerations over legitimate democratic processes.

Adding to the brewing crisis, the House of Representatives experienced a tumultuous session on Thursday as a dispute erupted over the endorsement of Rep Ikenga Ugochinyere. The session became rowdy due to a circulating document indicating that 61 of the 81 opposition members had endorsed Ugochinyere to replace the former minority leader. Rep Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, raised a matter of privilege, vehemently alleging that his signature on the endorsement document had been forged. Agbese stated he became aware of the document online and denied ever endorsing any candidate for the position, despite engaging in general discussions with lawmakers. He firmly maintained he had not met Ugochinyere since December 2025 and denounced the use of his signature as a breach of his legislative privilege and an act of forgery. Furthermore, Agbese dismissed social media claims that he and other listed lawmakers received $50,000 each for their support, asserting his integrity.

The allegation by Rep Agbese immediately sparked an uproar in the chamber, with lawmakers shouting and attempting to raise points of order simultaneously. Rep Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, described the allegation as both grave and criminal, urging Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to refer the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation. In response, Speaker Abbas indicated that the House would first verify the claims before taking any conclusive action, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation to confirm the validity of the allegations. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere was subsequently given an opportunity to make a personal explanation, during which he vehemently rejected the forgery allegation. He insisted that Rep Agbese had personally visited his office in the presence of other colleagues and voluntarily signed the nomination form. Ugochinyere dismissed the forgery claim as false and defamatory, stating that witnesses were prepared to testify. He suggested that his endorsement by an overwhelming majority of 61 opposition lawmakers reflected the consensus within the minority caucus, and that certain interests were uncomfortable with this development, leading to desperate measures. As tensions mounted, Speaker Abbas repeatedly appealed for calm, advising members against further public debate on the matter and suggesting it be resolved internally within the legislative family. As of the time of reporting, the lawmakers implicated in the petition had not publicly responded, and the DSS had yet to issue an official statement regarding CLADI's request for an investigation, leaving the allegations unresolved and subject to ongoing scrutiny.