SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged N800bn Campaign Fund

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the electoral body to investigate claims that some APC governors diverted about N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to support political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, SERAP also wants the court to direct INEC to ensure full disclosure of the alleged campaign funds. This includes revealing the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the money, as required under the Electoral Act. The SERAP lawsuit was filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation decided to approach the court after INEC allegedly failed to investigate reports claiming that some APC governors made monthly contributions from their FAAC allocations into a campaign fund reportedly linked to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. The group said the allegations were based on media reports and a published opinion article.

SERAP argued that the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in political campaign financing. The organisation maintained that if public funds were used for campaign activities, it could damage the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and reduce public trust in democratic institutions. It also insisted that INEC has the legal authority under the Electoral Act to monitor campaign finances, regulate political donations and investigate possible breaches of the law.

The organisation is asking the court to compel INEC to carry out its responsibilities and strengthen transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections. No hearing date has been scheduled for the case.

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