Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to launch an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted approximately N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for political and campaign activities. In a letter dated May 16, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and addressed to INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, the organisation gave the commission seven days to comply or face legal action. According to SERAP, the allegations that APC governors are making monthly contributions from their FAAC allocations to a dedicated campaign fund to finance President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election bid pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
SERAP urged INEC to carry out a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation into the allegations. The organisation also requested that the commission compel full disclosure from the APC governors and the party itself regarding any dedicated campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful origin of the funds. The group further called on INEC to collaborate with appropriate anti‑corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where violations are identified, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of any unlawful contributions.
The rights group’s intervention comes against the backdrop of a separate, exclusive report by THEWILL which revealed that President Bola Tinubu had recently intervened to resolve a feud within the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) over the alleged misappropriation of over N800 billion raised by APC governors for the President’s re‑election campaign. According to that report, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who acted as Chairman of the PGF and custodian of the funds, became evasive when asked to render accounts, leading to a conflict that factionalised the forum and split it down the middle. The governors had reportedly agreed to make monthly contributions from their FAAC shares into an account controlled by Uzodinma under the "Renewed Hope Ambassador" platform, later transferring the funds to a separate structure called the "Renewed Hope Network" dedicated to the President’s re‑election. Following the President’s intervention, substantial sums have been recovered from Uzodinma, and processes have been put in place to retrieve whatever amount he is yet to account for.
SERAP’s letter also referenced the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which had earlier condemned the alleged FAAC diversion, describing it as “cruel and criminal” at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling poverty, hunger and economic hardship. The opposition party launched an attack on the ruling APC, alleging that governors diverted over ₦800 billion from federation account allocations to finance President Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election campaign.
In its petition, SERAP argued that “opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy,” insisting that Nigerians have a right to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice. The group warned that the large‑scale public fiscal flows combined with weak transparency mechanisms create a reasonable basis for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory mandates.
Citing Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which empowers INEC to set limits on political donations, demand disclosure of contributions and sources of funds, and enforce sanctions against violations, SERAP noted that exceeding donation limits attracts sanctions including fines, forfeiture of excess funds, and penalties of up to five times the amount contributed in excess for individuals. The organisation further cited constitutional provisions, including Section 14(2)(c) which guarantees public participation in government, and Section 15(5) which requires public institutions to abolish corruption and abuse of power.
SERAP gave INEC a seven‑day ultimatum to comply with its requests, warning that the commission’s failure to act could lead to legal proceedings. “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest,” the organisation declared. In a separate statement, SERAP reiterated its demand for full disclosure, as well as a formal review of compliance with political financing regulations across all parties and candidates.
As of the time of this report, the INEC Chairman had not issued a formal response to SERAP’s letter, and the APC had not commented on the allegations. The development further escalates the political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, as civil society intensifies its scrutiny of campaign financing and calls for greater transparency in the use of public funds for political activities.
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