Rights group seeks court order compelling electoral commission to investigate allegations that public funds were channelled into political campaigns, citing threats to electoral integrity, transparency and democratic accountability.
By Amarachi Odenigbo
ABUJA, Nigeria — July 13, 2026
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted approximately ₦800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to finance political and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawsuit, which raises significant questions about campaign finance transparency and the use of public resources in Nigeria’s electoral process, seeks judicial intervention to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
The case comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections, with increasing scrutiny over campaign financing, political donations and the enforcement of electoral regulations.
At the time of filing this report, the allegations referenced in the suit remain allegations before the court and have not been determined by any judicial authority.
SERAP Seeks Court Order Against INEC
According to court documents, the suit—marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026—was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by SERAP through its legal representatives, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi.
The organisation is asking the court to direct INEC to exercise its statutory powers by investigating reports alleging that APC governors made monthly deductions from their FAAC allocations into a political fund allegedly intended to support President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign.
SERAP argues that the electoral commission has both constitutional and statutory responsibilities to investigate alleged violations relating to political financing.
Demand for Full Disclosure of Campaign Funding
Beyond an investigation, SERAP is requesting an order compelling INEC to obtain comprehensive disclosure from the APC and the governors involved regarding:
- The total amount allegedly contributed;
- The identities of contributors;
- The sources of the funds;
- The purposes for which the funds were allegedly collected; and
- Compliance with campaign finance regulations under Nigerian law.
The organisation contends that Nigerians have a constitutional right to know how political parties finance their activities, particularly where allegations involve public funds.
Fresh Scrutiny on Political Financing
In its court filings, SERAP argues that opaque campaign financing poses serious risks to democratic accountability.
According to the organisation, the alleged diversion of public resources—if established—could undermine public confidence in electoral institutions and compromise the credibility of the 2027 elections.
SERAP maintains that transparency in campaign funding remains essential to preventing corruption, undue political influence and abuse of state resources.
The group insists that effective disclosure mechanisms enable citizens to assess whether elected officials are using public office to advance private or partisan interests.
Electoral Act at Centre of Legal Challenge
A major aspect of SERAP’s case centres on Section 91 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which regulates campaign financing and political donations.
The organisation argues that the law empowers INEC to:
- Monitor political contributions;
- Demand disclosure of campaign funding;
- Investigate possible violations;
- Enforce contribution limits; and
- Impose sanctions where breaches occur.
According to SERAP, failure to activate these oversight mechanisms could weaken electoral accountability.
The organisation also argues that campaign finance regulation is critical to ensuring equal political competition among parties and candidates.
Constitutional and International Obligations Cited
In support of its case, SERAP relies on several domestic and international legal instruments.
Among those cited are:
- The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
- 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).
The organisation argues that these legal frameworks collectively require public institutions to promote transparency, accountability and fairness in governance and electoral administration.
According to SERAP, any misuse of public funds for partisan political purposes could amount to a violation of both domestic and international standards.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
SERAP argues that allegations involving significant public financial resources deserve prompt regulatory attention.
According to the rights group, where allegations suggest possible abuse of public funds, electoral regulators have a responsibility to establish the facts and determine whether electoral laws have been breached.
The organisation further contends that credible elections depend not only on transparent voting processes but also on transparent political financing.
Analysts note that campaign finance has increasingly become a major issue in democracies worldwide, with many countries strengthening disclosure rules to improve public accountability.
Legal and Political Implications
The lawsuit is expected to attract significant public interest because of its potential implications for campaign finance regulation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Should the court grant SERAP’s requests, INEC could be required to examine the allegations and determine whether any provisions of the Electoral Act have been violated.
Legal experts note, however, that the court’s role at this stage is limited to determining whether INEC can be compelled to exercise its investigative powers.
Any findings regarding the underlying allegations would depend on subsequent investigations and due legal process.
No hearing date has yet been fixed for the matter.
Presumption of Innocence Remains
Under Nigerian law, all individuals and institutions mentioned in the lawsuit remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until any allegations are established through lawful investigation or judicial determination.
Neither the APC nor the governors referenced in SERAP’s claims had publicly responded to the allegations at the time this report was prepared.
Similarly, INEC had not issued an official response regarding the pending litigation.
A1NEWS International will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide updates as the case progresses.
SERAP’s lawsuit places campaign finance transparency firmly at the centre of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While the allegations contained in the suit remain unproven, the case raises broader questions about the oversight of political funding, the accountability of public institutions and the role of electoral regulators in safeguarding democratic integrity.
The eventual outcome of the litigation could influence how campaign financing is monitored and enforced as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
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