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 investigate allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly diverted about ₦800 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for political and campaign-related activities.
In a letter dated May 16, 2026, SERAP said the alleged diversion raises serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral integrity, and compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws. The letter was signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and shared via the organisation’s official X handle on Sunday.
The group urged INEC to conduct an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation into the claims, stressing that the allegations—if confirmed—could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of future elections.
SERAP also called on INEC to compel the APC and its governors to fully disclose any political donations and campaign financing details, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds allegedly used.
It further demanded collaboration between INEC and relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability, insisting that any breach of electoral finance laws should attract appropriate sanctions, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture.
The organisation referenced Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which regulates political donations and campaign spending, arguing that INEC has both constitutional and statutory powers to enforce compliance and ensure transparency in political financing.
According to SERAP, the alleged use of public resources for political gain threatens democratic fairness and weakens public trust in governance.
“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” the group stated, warning that opaque political financing remains a major gateway to corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy.
SERAP also cautioned that failure to act on the allegations could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 general elections, adding that INEC must respond within seven days or risk legal action.
It maintained that Nigerians have a constitutional right to transparency in political financing, stressing that misuse of public funds for political activities violates both national laws and international anti-corruption obligations.
As of the time of this report, INEC has not issued an official response to the allegations.
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