INEC Dragged to Court Over Alleged Diversion of N800b

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over allegations that governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about N800 billion for political and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement, SERAP said it is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to direct INEC to investigate claims that the APC governors set aside part of their monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to finance President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

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

As part of the suit, SERAP is seeking an order requiring INEC to investigate the allegations and obtain complete details from the APC and the governors involved regarding the alleged campaign fund. The group wants the commission to demand information on those who contributed to the fund and the legal sources of the money.

SERAP is also asking the court to direct INEC to begin a wider review of how political parties and candidates are complying with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly on the sources of campaign funds and the amount of money being used in the current election cycle.

According to the organisation, the allegations raise questions about transparency in political financing, fairness in the electoral process and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to take part in democratic governance without undue influence.

SERAP maintained that secretive political funding creates opportunities for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions. It said citizens deserve to know who finances political parties and candidates, as well as where such funds come from.

The organisation also argued that if public funds are diverted for campaign purposes, it could damage the credibility of the electoral process and reduce public trust in government institutions. It added that openness and accountability in campaign financing remain necessary to reduce corruption, prevent the misuse of state resources and limit excessive political influence.