SERAP Urges INEC Probe of Alleged N800bn Political Fund

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to urgently investigate allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress diverted about N800bn for political and campaign purposes.

In a letter dated May 16, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged INEC to carry out a “prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation” into the allegations, which it said raised serious concerns about political finance transparency and electoral integrity.

The organisation also asked INEC to compel full disclosure from APC governors and the party on alleged contributions to any dedicated campaign fund, including the identity of donors and the lawful origin of such funds.

SERAP further urged the electoral body to collaborate with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure sanctions where violations are established, including prosecution, fines and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.

It also called for a formal review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022 by all political parties and candidates, particularly in relation to political and campaign financing in the current electoral cycle.

According to SERAP, the allegations involved reported monthly deductions from Federation Account Allocation Committee allocations by APC governors to a campaign fund allegedly linked to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“These allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government,” the organisation said.

SERAP warned that the alleged misuse or diversion of public funds for political purposes undermines democratic integrity and public trust in governance.

“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” it said, adding that transparency in campaign financing is essential to prevent corruption and state capture.

The group argued that opaque political funding remains a major driver of corruption and weakens democratic legitimacy, insisting that Nigerians have a right to know the sources of funding for political parties and candidates.

It stressed that the alleged diversion of public funds posed a serious threat to the integrity of the 2027 general elections, warning that large-scale fiscal flows combined with weak transparency systems create risks for electoral fairness.

SERAP further cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce disclosure requirements, and sanction violations, including fines and forfeiture of excess contributions.

It also referenced constitutional provisions and international treaties, including 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 emphasise transparency, accountability and free political participation.

According to the organisation, failure to address alleged breaches of political finance rules could undermine public confidence in electoral institutions and compromise the credibility of elections.

SERAP urged INEC to take action within seven days of receipt or publication of its letter, warning that it would consider legal steps should the commission fail to respond.

“The commission has constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure transparency and prevent undue influence in political financing,” it said.