SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged N800bn 2027 Tinubu Campaign Fund

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking an order compelling the electoral body to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800bn from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to fund President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed last week before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the allegations and compel the commission to obtain full disclosure from the APC and the governors on the alleged campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.

The organisation is also seeking an order directing INEC to commence a formal review into compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding the sources and scale of campaign financing in the current political cycle.

According to SERAP, the allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral integrity and Nigerians’ constitutional right to participate freely in governance.

In the suit filed on its behalf by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, the organisation argued that the reported diversion of public funds for political purposes poses a significant threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

It maintained that opaque political financing remains a major gateway for corruption and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions.

“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 stated.

The organisation argued that Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political donations, require disclosure of campaign contributions and enforce sanctions where donation limits are exceeded.

It noted that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits are liable to a fine of up to N10m and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed the legal threshold face fines amounting to five times the excess contribution.

SERAP further contended that the commission has constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure transparency in political financing and prevent the misuse of public resources for electoral advantage.

According to the group, allegations involving large-scale public funds and opaque financial arrangements fall squarely within INEC’s investigative and monitoring responsibilities under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The suit also cited Sections 13, 14(2)(c) and 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that they impose obligations on public institutions, including INEC, to safeguard democratic participation, prevent corruption and uphold constitutional principles.

SERAP further relied on international legal instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which it said require transparency in political financing and accountability in the management of public resources.

The organisation argued that any diversion of public funds for campaign purposes would amount to a violation of both domestic and international legal obligations and would undermine the principle of a level playing field in elections.

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