Calls for Investigation into APC Governors’ Alleged Fund Diversion
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joas Ampitan, to promptly investigate serious allegations that governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted approximately NOK 800 billion for political and electoral purposes.
In a letter dated May 16, 2026, and signed by Deputy Commissioner Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP emphasized the need for a “thorough, fair, independent, and transparent investigation” into these claims. They argue that the allegations raise significant concerns regarding the transparency of political funding and the overall integrity of the electoral process.
SERAP is pressing INEC to mandate full disclosure from both the APC governors and the party regarding contributions to a dedicated campaign fund. This request includes details about the identity of the donors and the legal sources of these funds, which are crucial for maintaining electoral democracy.
Additionally, SERAP has called on election authorities to collaborate with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure any violations are addressed through appropriate sanctions, including prosecution, fines, and confiscation of illicit contributions.
The organization further asserts that a formal review of all political parties and candidates must occur to ensure compliance with Article 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly concerning political funding and campaign finance in the ongoing election cycle.
Notably, SERAP alleges that the APC governors have been making reported monthly deductions from the Federal Account Allocation Committee, reallocating these funds to campaign efforts allegedly linked to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. Such actions highlight a troubling lack of transparency in political financing, which could have grave implications for the fairness of elections and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to engage meaningfully in their governance.
SERAP has warned that the alleged misappropriation of public funds for political purposes jeopardizes the sanctity of democracy and erodes public trust in governance. The misuse of state resources for electoral gain fundamentally undermines democratic integrity and necessitates a commitment to transparency in campaign finance to avert corruption and the unlawful consolidation of power.
The organization argues that persistent lack of transparency in political funding is a critical contributor to corruption, which in turn undermines the legitimacy of democratic processes. Nigerians deserve to be informed about the sources of funding for political parties and candidates.
The report emphasized that the suspected misappropriation of public funds poses a severe risk to the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Large-scale public spending, coupled with weak transparency protocols, creates substantial risks to electoral integrity.
SERAP cites Article 91 of the Election Law as empowering INEC to enforce sanctions for violations, including regulating political contributions and enforcing disclosure requirements. This article, along with relevant constitutional provisions and international treaties like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, underscores the necessity of transparency, accountability, and the right to unfettered political participation.
Failure to adequately address these allegations could severely diminish public trust in the electoral system and impair the credibility of future elections. SERAP has urged INEC to take decisive action within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter, warning that legal action may be pursued if the commission does not respond appropriately.
In a related statement, the commission reaffirmed its constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure transparency and prevent undue influence on political funding, emphasizing the vital importance of upholding democratic principles.
