The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to immediately investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800 billion for political and campaign purposes.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP urged the INEC chairman to conduct a “prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation” into the allegations, describing the claims as a serious threat to political finance transparency and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The organisation also demanded that INEC compel the governors and the APC to publicly disclose details of any alleged contributions made to campaign funds, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
According to SERAP, Nigerians have a constitutional right to know who finances political parties and candidates seeking public office.
“We urged him to request full disclosure from the governors and APC regarding the alleged contributions made to any dedicated campaign fund, including the identity of donors and the lawful origin of funds, and to provide the details to our organization,” the statement read.
SERAP further called on INEC to work closely with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure sanctions are imposed where breaches of the law are established.
“We also urged him to urgently collaborate with appropriate anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce applicable sanctions where violations are identified, including prosecution, fines and forfeiture of any unlawful contributions,” the organisation stated.
The rights group warned that misuse of public resources for electoral purposes could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and compromise the integrity of elections.
“These allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government,” SERAP said.
“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP added that opaque political financing remains one of the major drivers of corruption and weak governance in the country.
“Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and any sources of any such funding,” the organisation added.
