SERAP Demands INEC Probe Into APC Governors’ N800bn Fund

ABUJA — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate allegations that APC governors diverted N800 billion in public funds for election campaigns. SERAP made the demand in a statement released on Sunday night.

The civil society group said the alleged diversion, if true, amounts to a serious breach of electoral integrity. It called on INEC to launch an immediate probe and refer any findings to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

SERAP Executive Director Kolawole Oluwadare said the scale of the alleged diversion is shocking. “If N800 billion of public money was used to fund APC campaigns, that is not just corruption. It is an assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” Oluwadare said.

SERAP did not name the specific governors involved in the allegations. The organisation said it has filed a formal petition with INEC and the EFCC detailing the claims. It urged both bodies to act swiftly before the 2027 election campaign season accelerates.

INEC Yet to Respond

INEC has not issued a response to SERAP’s demand as of Monday afternoon. The commission is currently focused on overseeing party primaries, which must be completed by May 30. Its spokesperson said the commission reviews all petitions received and responds in due course.

However, opposition parties have seized on the allegations. The ADC and PDP factions have both cited the SERAP petition as evidence of the APC’s alleged misuse of state resources. They called on the federal government to cooperate with any investigation.

Furthermore, the APC has not made an official statement on the allegations. The party’s national secretariat did not respond to press enquiries about SERAP’s petition by Monday evening.

A Pattern of Concern

The allegations come amid broader concerns about the use of state resources in Nigerian elections. In previous election cycles, both APC and PDP-controlled states have faced accusations of using government funds to sponsor political activities.

Civil society groups say the problem is structural. Nigeria has weak laws on campaign finance and limited enforcement of existing rules. INEC has the power to demand campaign finance disclosures, but parties have historically provided incomplete information.

Analysts say the SERAP petition is unlikely to produce immediate results. Nevertheless, it adds to the growing public debate about electoral integrity ahead of 2027. The petition also puts pressure on INEC to demonstrate its independence from the ruling party.