Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to investigate claims that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted approximately N800 billion from public funds to finance President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, escalating a controversy that has simmered since May 2026 when the rights group first demanded a probe.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of SERAP by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, seeks three orders of mandamus compelling INEC to act. SERAP is asking the court to direct INEC to investigate the allegations that APC governors diverted public resources for political purposes, to compel full disclosure from the governors and the party regarding any dedicated campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful origin of funds, and to initiate a formal review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by all political parties and candidates.
According to SERAP's court filings, reports indicate that APC governors have been making monthly contributions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations into a dedicated campaign fund to support President Tinubu's re-election effort. The rights group described the allegations as a grave threat to the integrity of the 2027 elections, arguing that large-scale public fiscal flows, coupled with weak transparency and oversight mechanisms, provide a compelling basis for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory mandates.
The controversy first gained public attention after an online news outlet reported that more than N800 billion had been pooled through platforms linked to mobilisation for President Tinubu's expected re-election effort. The report alleged that APC governors made coordinated contributions from their states' FAAC revenues, transforming what could have remained an internal political arrangement into a constitutional and financial controversy. SERAP argued that opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy, and that Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and the sources of any such funding. The group warned that the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust.
SERAP invoked 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. The group noted that political parties that exceed donation limits are liable to a fine of up to ₦10 million plus forfeiture of the excess amount, while individuals who exceed the limit are liable to a fine equal to five times the amount donated in excess of the legal limit.
The lawsuit is the culmination of a demand SERAP first made on May 16, 2026, when it gave INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan a seven-day ultimatum to investigate the allegations or face legal action. In a letter signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the commission to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate the claims. The rights group also 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. It referenced international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention against Corruption, which obligate Nigeria to ensure transparency in political finance.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to the lawsuit or the allegations. The Federal High Court in Abuja is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the case. SERAP's lawsuit has renewed calls for transparency in political financing, with civil society groups and opposition parties warning that the alleged diversion of public funds for campaign purposes could undermine public trust in Nigeria's democratic institutions.
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