SERAP demands probe into alleged N800bn APC Campaign Funding scandal

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of 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 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to launch a thorough, transparent and independent probe into the allegations.

SERAP also asked the electoral body to compel the APC and the affected governors to publicly disclose details of all alleged contributions made to any campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful origin of the funds.

The organisation further called on INEC to work closely with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where violations of campaign finance regulations were established, including prosecution, fines and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.

According to SERAP, the allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely participate in democratic governance.

“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” the organisation stated.

SERAP warned that opaque political financing remained one of the major drivers of corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy in Nigeria, stressing that citizens deserved to know who funded political parties and candidates.

The group argued that the alleged diversion or opaque deployment of public funds posed a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 elections and could distort the electoral process if left unchecked.

SERAP cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to regulate political donations, demand disclosure of campaign funding sources and impose penalties on individuals or parties that exceed legal contribution limits.

The organisation noted that under the law, political parties found guilty of violating donation limits could face fines of up to N10 million alongside forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals could be sanctioned with penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.

SERAP also referenced constitutional provisions and international anti-corruption treaties ratified by Nigeria, insisting that INEC had a legal obligation to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure transparency in political financing.

The organisation gave INEC seven days to act on its demands or face possible legal action aimed at compelling compliance in the public interest.