By Passman Akpos
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate allegations that governors under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted over N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for political and campaign purposes.
In a strongly worded letter dated May 16, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the civic organisation urged the chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, to launch a “prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation” into claims that APC governors have been making monthly deductions from their FAAC allocations into a dedicated campaign fund allegedly meant to finance President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SERAP further demanded that INEC compel the governors and the APC to fully disclose all contributions made into the alleged campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
The group also called on the electoral body to work closely with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where violations are found, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, democratic fairness, and Nigerians’ constitutional right to freely participate in governance.
“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” the organisation stated, stressing that fairness, accountability, and transparency in campaign financing are critical safeguards against corruption and state capture.
SERAP warned that opaque political financing remains one of the biggest gateways to corruption and poses a major threat to democratic legitimacy.
“Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and the sources of such funding,” the letter stated.
The organisation referenced Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to set legal limits on political donations, demand disclosure of campaign contributions, and impose penalties for violations.
Under the law, political parties that exceed donation limits may face fines of up to N10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who contribute beyond legal thresholds may be fined up to five times the excess amount.
SERAP also cited Sections 13, 14, and 15 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that INEC has a constitutional obligation to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections and to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.
The organisation further invoked international legal obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, all of which Nigeria has ratified.
It warned that any use of public funds for campaign advantage would amount to a grave violation of both national and international democratic standards.
“Where public resources are allegedly diverted or deployed for political and campaign purposes, the result is not merely financial impropriety—it is a direct distortion of electoral competition,” SERAP stated.
The organisation gave INEC a seven-day ultimatum to act on its recommendations, warning that failure to respond would lead to legal action aimed at compelling compliance in the public interest.
SERAP concluded that any failure by INEC to proactively enforce campaign finance regulations could further weaken public confidence in electoral institutions and compromise the integrity of the 2027 elections.
