SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged Diversion of N800bn Public Funds for Political Campaign

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800 billion from public revenues for political and campaign purposes.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by SERAP’s legal team. The organization is seeking an order of mandamus to compel INEC to investigate claims that state executives have been making monthly contributions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to fund President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

SERAP is requesting the court to direct INEC to demand full disclosure from the APC and the governors regarding the dedicated campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful origins of the finances. Furthermore, the suit seeks to compel the electoral umpire to initiate a comprehensive review into campaign finance compliance across all political parties in accordance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act.

According to the plaintiff, the opaque use of state-derived funds poses a significant risk to the integrity and fairness of the 2027 general elections. SERAP argued that Section 91 of the Electoral Act mandates INEC to regulate political donations, enforce disclosure requirements, and apply strict penalties such as fines up to N10,000,000 and forfeiture of excess funds against violators. A hearing date for the suit is yet to be scheduled by the court.