The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), an anti-corruption group, has called on political parties and lawmakers-elect to choose only corrupt-free legislators for leadership positions in the House of Representatives and Senate.

In a statement by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA expressed deep concern over the rampant corruption and involvement of politically exposed persons across the country. 

Mr Suraju emphasised the need for measures to be taken to prevent its further spread.

HEDA charged political parties to vet all aspirants before allowing them to contest positions, ensuring only individuals with a clean record and demonstrated commitment to public service are given clearance to vie for offices.

The group reminded the newly elected parliamentarians and their political parties of the inglorious experiences of NASS leaderships shutting the parliament to attend court sessions during prosecution for corruption and manipulating the Parliamentary power to harass leadership of the anti-corruption agencies.

Mr Suraju also urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency in governance. He emphasised that building a Nigeria free from corruption requires a collective effort from all Nigerians.

He condemned the report of money inducement against some of the aspirants for leadership positions, especially those under investigations by EFCC and those standing trials for corrupt practices in their previous political offices.