By Our Correspondent
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about ₦800 billion in public funds was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged political and campaign-related activities connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid.
According to SERAP, the suit became necessary after INEC allegedly failed to respond to its earlier request urging the commission to investigate the claims. The organisation argued that, as Nigeria’s electoral umpire, INEC has a legal responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing.
SERAP alleged that the funds were diverted from allocations made through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and used for political purposes. The organisation is asking the court to order INEC to investigate the allegations and determine whether any provisions of the Electoral Act or other applicable laws have been breached.
In the court documents, SERAP maintained that Nigerians have a constitutional right to know whether public funds are being used lawfully, especially where allegations concern election financing and democratic governance. It argued that an independent investigation would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and reinforce the principles of accountability and the rule of law.
The rights organisation further contended that INEC cannot ignore allegations relating to campaign financing, stressing that the commission has statutory powers to monitor political parties and enforce compliance with electoral laws governing campaign funding.
The lawsuit has generated fresh debate over political financing and the use of public resources in Nigeria. Analysts say the case could become a significant legal test of INEC’s role in ensuring transparency in election funding and enforcing the provisions of the Electoral Act.
As of the time of filing, no court had ruled on the allegations, and INEC had not publicly responded to the suit. The claims contained in SERAP’s application remain allegations that have not been proven in court.
The APC has previously denied wrongdoing in response to similar allegations, and no court has found the party or any of its governors liable over the claims referenced in SERAP’s suit.
Legal experts believe the outcome of the case could shape future enforcement of campaign finance regulations and establish important judicial guidance on the responsibilities of electoral institutions in promoting transparency and accountability.
The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for hearing the matter in the coming weeks. Political stakeholders, civil society groups, and members of the public are expected to follow the proceedings closely, given their potential implications for Nigeria’s electoral process and campaign finance oversight.
