The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate allegations that governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for political and campaign purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated May 16, 2026, SERAP urged INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation into the claims.
The civil society organisation also asked INEC to demand full disclosure from the APC and the governors involved regarding alleged contributions made to any campaign fund, including the identity of donors and the source of the funds.
According to SERAP, Nigerians have a right to know how political parties and candidates are financed, especially when public resources may have been used.
SERAP further urged INEC to work with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to impose sanctions where violations are discovered. The organisation said penalties should include prosecution, fines and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.
The group also requested a wider review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022 by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and donation limits.
SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, who signed the letter, said the allegations raise serious concerns about electoral integrity, political finance transparency and democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to the organisation, the misuse of state resources for campaign activities could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and distort the electoral process.
SERAP warned that the alleged diversion of public funds poses a major threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation stated that “opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy.”
It argued that large-scale public fiscal flows combined with weak transparency mechanisms create grounds for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory investigative powers.
The group gave INEC seven days to act on its recommendations or face possible legal action.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” SERAP stated.
It added that failure by INEC to respond could compel the organisation to pursue legal steps in the public interest.
SERAP cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to regulate political donations, demand disclosure of campaign funding sources and enforce 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. Individuals who violate donation limits could also face penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
The organisation also referenced Sections 13, 14 and 15 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate public institutions to uphold democratic participation, prevent corruption and ensure accountability.
SERAP further pointed to Nigeria’s obligations under 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.
According to the group, these agreements require transparency in political financing and the proper management of public funds.
SERAP also referenced reports alleging that APC governors have been making monthly contributions from their FAAC allocations to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The organisation maintained that if public funds were used for political purposes, it would amount to a violation of both Nigerian laws and international anti-corruption standards.
It warned that any failure by INEC to enforce campaign finance regulations could further weaken public confidence in the electoral system.
SERAP added that electoral fairness depends on transparency, accountability and equal political participation, stressing that the use of state resources for political advantage undermines a level playing field in democratic elections.