SERAP urges INEC to probe alleged diversion of ₦800bn by APC governors for 2027

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly investigate allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted ₦800 billion from public funds for political and campaign purposes.

In a letter dated 16 May 2026 and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, the organisation urged INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to demand full disclosure from APC governors and the party regarding contributions to any campaign fund, including the identity of donors and the lawful origin of such funds. SERAP stressed that Nigerians deserve transparency in political financing to safeguard electoral integrity.

The group also urged INEC to collaborate with anticorruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where violations are identified, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of unlawful contributions. SERAP warned that the allegations, if proven, pose a grave risk to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Recall that last week, the said money was alleged to have caused division and rancour within the Progressive Governors’ Forum, with some members reportedly demanding the ouster of the forum’s chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, over the alleged mismanagement of the funds.

SERAP noted that the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. It cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to set limits on donations, demand disclosure of contributions, and enforce sanctions against violations. The law prescribes fines of up to ₦10 million for political parties that exceed donation limits, while individuals face penalties of up to five times the excess amount contributed.

The organisation also referenced constitutional provisions, including Section 14(2)(c), which guarantees citizens’ participation in government, and Section 15(5), which requires public institutions to abolish corrupt practices. It further cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention against Corruption, all of which impose duties on state institutions to ensure transparency in political finance.

SERAP gave INEC seven days to act on its recommendations, warning that failure to do so would compel the organisation to pursue appropriate legal action in the public interest.

“Any use of public funds for political advantage would constitute a grave violation of national and international standards and a threat to electoral credibility,” SERAP stated.