SERAP Urges INEC To Investigate Alleged N800bn FAAC Diversion For Campaigns

BY OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to look into allegations that All Progressives Congress (APC) governors may have improperly diverted about N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for political and campaign purposes.

In a letter dated 16tjh May, 2026, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged INEC to carry out a “prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation” into the allegations.

The civil society organisation also requested INEC to compel the governors and the APC to fully disclose any contributions made to a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.

SERAP further urged the electoral body to collaborate with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions for proven violations, including prosecution, fines, and the forfeiture of unlawful contributions.

It also called on INEC to review compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, especially concerning the sources and extent of campaign financing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SERAP claimed that reports suggest that APC governors have allegedly been making monthly contributions from their FAAC allocations to fund President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

The organisation stated that the allegations raise concerns about transparency in political finance, electoral fairness, and Nigerians’ constitutional right to participate freely in governance.

“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” SERAP said.

It warned that opaque political financing remains a significant channel for corruption and could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 elections.

“The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds—particularly on the scale reported—pose a serious threat to the integrity of the 2027 general elections,” the group stated.

SERAP cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to regulate political donations, require disclosure of funding sources, and impose sanctions for violations.

Under the law, political parties that exceed donation limits may face fines of up to N10 million and the forfeiture of excess funds. In contrast, individuals may be fined up to five times the amount contributed beyond the legal threshold.

The organisation also referenced provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention against Corruption, arguing that Nigeria has legal obligations to ensure transparency in political financing.

SERAP maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for campaign purposes distorts electoral competition and hampers citizens’ ability to freely choose their leaders.

It gave INEC seven days to respond to its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if the commission failed to act.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of receiving this letter.

“If we do not hear from you, we shall take appropriate legal steps to secure compliance in the public interest,” SERAP stated.