The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to launch an immediate and independent investigation into allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about ₦800 billion for political and campaign-related activities.

SERAP, in a letter dated 16 May 2026 and signed by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare and posted via its X handle on Sunday, asked INEC to act swiftly, transparently, and impartially in examining the claims, which it said raise serious concerns about electoral integrity and political finance transparency.

The organisation also urged INEC to compel full disclosure from the APC and its governors regarding any alleged campaign contributions, including “the identity of donors and the lawful origin of funds,” and to make such information available.

It further requested collaboration between INEC and relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability, stressing that where violations are found, sanctions such as prosecution, fines, and forfeiture should follow.

SERAP also called for a broader review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly regarding political donations, campaign funding sources, and spending limits across all parties and candidates.

According to the group, “these allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government.”

It warned that the alleged use of public resources for political gain threatens democratic integrity, adding that “the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust.”

SERAP maintained that citizens have a right to transparency in political financing, noting that “opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy.”

It also argued that INEC has both constitutional and statutory responsibilities to ensure compliance with electoral laws, stressing that “Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to set limits on political donations, demand disclosure of contributions and sources of funds, and enforce sanctions against violations.”

The organisation further warned that failure to act on the allegations could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 elections, stating that “the allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”

SERAP gave INEC a seven-day deadline to respond and implement the recommended actions, warning that it would initiate legal proceedings if no action is taken.

It concluded that any misuse of public resources for political purposes would violate constitutional provisions, international treaties, and Nigeria’s anti-corruption obligations, insisting that such conduct “undermine the principle of a level playing field and erode the ability of citizens to freely choose their representatives.”