Publish sources of your campaign funds, SERAP tells Atiku, others

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged all presidential candidates to demonstrate leadership by directing their campaign councils and political parties to regularly and widely publish the sources of their campaign funding.

SERAP also implored them to sign transparency pacts that would mandate them to disclose the identities of donors and widely publish donations and contributions, including on parties’ website and social media platforms.

In an open letter dated October 29, 2022 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said transparency would help to control inappropriate influence on political candidates, ensure fairness, equality and accountability in Nigeria’s democracy.

According to it, party corruption undermines the legitimacy of government, public trust and ultimately, democracy.

The letter reads in part: “Opacity in campaign funding can distort the electoral competition and lead to state capture by wealthy politicians and individuals, and encourage politicians to divert public resources for political purposes.

“Transparency in campaign funding would ensure fair and open elections, and address concerns about undue influence by the more economically-advantaged and privileged individuals, as well as prevent corruption of the electoral process.”

SERAP further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor campaign funding and expenditures of political parties.