…Demands immediate probe into alleged misuse of public funds
….Gives INEC seven-day ultimatum, threatens legal action
…Warns allegations could undermine credibility of 2027 elections
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to immediately launch an independent investigation into allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about ₦800 billion for political and campaign-related activities.
In a letter dated May 16, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged INEC to conduct a transparent and impartial probe into the allegations, describing them as a serious threat to electoral integrity and political finance transparency in Nigeria.
SERAP also asked the electoral body to compel the APC and the affected governors to disclose details of all alleged campaign contributions, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
“According to reports, governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are allegedly making monthly contributions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to a dedicated campaign fund to fund 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 right to political participation requires that citizens have a real opportunity to exercise their political rights,” the statement read in part.
It added: “Opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy. Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and any sources of any such funding.
“The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
Large-scale public fiscal flows combined with weak transparency mechanisms create a reasonable basis for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory mandates.”
The organisation further urged INEC to work with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability, insisting that any violations discovered should attract sanctions, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture.
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According to SERAP, Nigerians have a constitutional right to transparency in political financing, stressing that opaque campaign funding creates opportunities for corruption and weakens democratic legitimacy.
The group noted that Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce spending limits, demand disclosure of campaign funds, and sanction offenders who violate electoral laws.
SERAP warned that the alleged diversion or misuse of public funds for political purposes could undermine public trust and threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections if not properly investigated.
“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” the organisation stated.
It added that failure by INEC to act decisively on the allegations would amount to neglect of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
SERAP gave the commission a seven-day deadline to respond to its demands and implement the recommended actions, warning that it would pursue legal action should INEC fail to act.
The organisation maintained that any misuse of public resources for political campaigns would violate constitutional provisions, international treaties, and Nigeria’s anti-corruption obligations.
