SERAP sues INEC over alleged APC misuse of N800bn FAAC funds for 2027 campaign

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the federal high court in Abuja over its alleged failure to investigate claims that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about ₦800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations for political and campaign purposes.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to probe the allegations and ensure full compliance with campaign finance provisions of the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to reports cited by the organisation, APC governors are allegedly making monthly deductions from their FAAC allocations into a dedicated campaign fund to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Filed by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, the suit seeks “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to investigate the allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted ₦800 billion for political and campaign purposes.”

The group also wants the electoral commission to compel the governors and the APC to disclose details of any campaign fund, including contributors and the lawful sources of the money.

It is equally asking the court to order INEC to commence a formal review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly on campaign financing by political parties and candidates.

SERAP argued that the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency, electoral fairness and citizens’ constitutional right to freely participate in democratic governance.

“These allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government,” the organisation said.

It added that “opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy. Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and the sources of any such funding.”

The organisation maintained that the alleged abuse of public resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.

According to SERAP, “the allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections,” adding 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 group argued that Nigeria’s political finance system is characterised by weak disclosure requirements and poor enforcement, creating opportunities for the misuse of public funds for partisan purposes.

Citing Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP said INEC has both the authority and responsibility to regulate political donations, enforce spending limits and sanction violations.

The organisation noted that the law provides that any political party exceeding prescribed donation limits is liable to a fine of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed donation limits are liable to a penalty of five times the amount contributed above the legal threshold.

SERAP further contended that INEC has constitutional obligations under Sections 13, 14(2)(c) and 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and prevent corruption.

It also relied on Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, arguing that these instruments require transparency and accountability in political financing.

“Where public resources are allegedly diverted or deployed for political and campaign purposes, the result is not merely financial impropriety—it is a direct distortion of electoral competition,” SERAP said.

The organisation maintained that such practices erode the principle of a level playing field and undermine citizens’ ability to freely choose their representatives.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.