SERAP urges INEC to probe alleged N800bn FAAC diversion by APC governors

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about N800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds for political and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated May 16, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to initiate a thorough, transparent, and independent probe into the allegations.

The organisation also asked INEC to compel the APC and the affected governors to publicly disclose details of all alleged contributions made to any campaign fund. This, according to SERAP, should include the identities of donors as well as the lawful origin of the funds.

SERAP further called on the electoral body to collaborate with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where breaches of campaign finance regulations are established. Such sanctions, it said, should include prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of unlawful contributions.

According to the group, the allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely participate in democratic governance.

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“The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust,” SERAP stated in the letter.

The organisation warned that opaque political financing remains one of the major drivers of corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy in Nigeria. It stressed that citizens have a right to know who funds political parties and candidates seeking public office.

SERAP argued that the alleged diversion or questionable deployment of public funds poses a significant threat to the credibility of the 2027 elections and could distort the electoral process if left unchecked.

Citing Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, the organisation noted that INEC is empowered to regulate political donations, demand disclosure of campaign funding sources, and impose penalties on individuals or parties that exceed statutory contribution limits.

Under the law, SERAP said, political parties found guilty of violating donation thresholds could face fines of up to N10 million in addition to forfeiting excess funds, while individuals may be sanctioned with penalties amounting to five times the value of the excess contribution.

The group also referenced constitutional provisions and international anti-corruption treaties ratified by Nigeria, maintaining that INEC has a legal obligation to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure transparency in political financing.

SERAP gave the electoral commission seven days to act on its demands, warning that it may institute legal proceedings in the public interest should INEC fail to take appropriate action.