SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged N800b Diversion By APC Governors

The Socio-Econo mic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the electoral body to investigate claims that some APC governors diverted roughly N800 billion from FAAC allocations to fund  political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The organisation filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, at the Federal High Court last week.Politics

In the suit, SERAP is also asking the court to order INEC to ensure full disclosure of the alleged campaign funds, including the identities of donors and the sources of the money, in line with the Electoral Act. Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare explained in a statement issued on Sunday that the legal action follows INEC’s alleged failure to investigate claims that APC governors had been making monthly contributions from their FAAC allocations into a campaign fund reportedly linked to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

According to SERAP, these allegations stem from media reports and a published opinion article that raised concerns about the possible diversion of public funds for political purposes. The organisation wants the court to issue an order of mandamus, legally compelling INEC to investigate the claims and requiring the APC and the affected governors to disclose full details of the alleged campaign fund, including donor identities and the lawful origins of the money.Executive Branch

SERAP is additionally seeking a court order directing INEC to review compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which governs political campaign financing, and to enforce relevant provisions wherever breaches are confirmed. The organisation argued that these allegations raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in political financing. It warned that if proven, the use of public resources for campaign purposes would seriously undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

SERAP maintained that opaque campaign financing fuels corruption and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. The organisation noted that the Electoral Act grants INEC the power to regulate political donations, monitor campaign finances, and ensure compliance with legal funding limits. It further argued that whenever allegations involve the potential diversion of public funds for electoral purposes, INEC carries both a constitutional and statutory duty to exercise its investigative and regulatory authority.

The organisation urged the court to compel INEC to fulfil this mandate in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the overall credibility of the 2027 general elections. As of now, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Do you believe THE SERAP INEC lawsuit has enough power to enforce transparency in political campaign financing?