The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the electoral umpire to investigate allegations that some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about N800bn from Federation Account Allocation Committee allocations to finance political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, who said the organisation was also asking the court to compel INEC to ensure full disclosure of the alleged campaign funds, including the identities of donors and the sources of the money.
According to SERAP, the legal action followed INEC’s alleged failure to investigate claims that APC governors had been making monthly contributions from their FAAC allocations into a campaign fund reportedly linked to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation said the allegations were based on media reports and a published opinion article, which raised concerns over the alleged diversion of public funds for political purposes.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the allegations and compel the APC and the affected governors to disclose details of the alleged campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the money.
It is also asking the court to direct the electoral commission to review compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act on political campaign financing and enforce relevant provisions where any violations are established.
The rights group argued that the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in political financing, warning that the use of public resources for campaign activities, if proven, would undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to the organisation, opaque campaign financing encourages corruption and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.
SERAP further maintained that the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political donations, monitor campaign finances and ensure compliance with legal limits on political funding.
It added that where allegations involve the possible diversion of public funds for electoral purposes, the commission has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to exercise its investigative and regulatory powers.
The organisation urged the court to compel INEC to carry out its mandate in the interest of transparency, accountability and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
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