The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, to investigate allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress diverted N800 billion for political and campaign-related purposes ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a letter dated May 16, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group called for an immediate, thorough and independent probe into the alleged use of funds from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations for campaign financing.
SERAP asked INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC, including details of alleged contributions to any campaign fund, identities of donors, and the lawful sources of the money.
The organisation also gave the electoral commission a seven-day deadline to act on its request or face legal action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP said the allegations were based on media reports claiming that APC governors were making monthly deductions from FAAC allocations into a dedicated fund to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
“These allegations raise serious concerns regarding political and campaign finance transparency, democratic governance, electoral integrity, and the fundamental right of Nigerians to political participation,” the organisation said.
It warned that opaque political financing undermines democratic accountability and increases the risk of corruption, adding that Nigerians have the right to know the sources of political funding.
“The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP stated, urging INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory powers to investigate.
The group further called on the commission to collaborate with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to impose sanctions where necessary, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.
It also urged INEC to review compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act regarding the sources and limits of political funding for parties and candidates.
SERAP cited constitutional provisions, including Section 14(2)(c) on public participation in governance and Section 15(5) on the eradication of corruption, as well as international frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention against Corruption.
The organisation warned it would initiate legal proceedings if INEC fails to respond within seven days, insisting that transparency in political financing is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
