The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the court to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted for political and campaign activities.
The SERAP sues INEC case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, argues that the allegations raise significant concerns about campaign finance transparency, electoral fairness and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, filed last week, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate claims that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly diverted public funds for campaign purposes. The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to obtain full disclosure from the governors and the APC regarding the alleged campaign fund, including the identities of contributors and the lawful sources of the money.
Additionally, SERAP wants the electoral commission to begin a comprehensive review of political financing practices in compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly concerning the sources and scale of campaign funding by political parties and candidates.
According to SERAP, the allegations suggest possible misuse of public resources that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system. The organisation argued that opaque political financing creates opportunities for corruption, weakens accountability and threatens the credibility of democratic institutions. SERAP maintained that Nigerians have the right to know who finances political parties and candidates, insisting that transparency in campaign funding is essential to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
The legal action references Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which empowers INEC to regulate political donations, set contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and sanction violations.
According to SERAP, the law provides penalties for individuals and political parties that exceed approved donation limits, including fines, forfeiture of excess contributions and additional financial sanctions. The organisation contended that where allegations involve large-scale public funds, INEC has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to investigate and enforce compliance with campaign finance regulations.
In the suit, SERAP further argued that the alleged diversion of public funds could distort electoral competition and violate citizens’ constitutional right to participate in democratic governance. The organisation cited Sections 13, 14(2)(c) and 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which place obligations on public institutions to protect democratic participation and combat corruption.
It also referenced Nigeria’s commitments under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which promote transparency, accountability and integrity in political financing. SERAP argued that any use of public resources for campaign purposes would amount to a serious breach of both domestic and international legal standards.
The SERAP sues INEC matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, although no date has been fixed for its hearing. The organisation insists that a transparent investigation is necessary to strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure compliance with existing campaign finance laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.
