2027: SERAP gives INEC seven-day ultimatum to disclose party finances

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to disclose political parties’ financial records and explain how it will monitor campaign financing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SERAP made the demand in a Freedom of Information request dated August 22, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The organisation asked the electoral commission to disclose whether it has exercised its powers under Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2026 to set limits on political contributions to parties and candidates.

Where such limits have been established, SERAP wants INEC to publish the applicable thresholds and explain how it intends to monitor and enforce compliance during the 2027 electoral cycle.

The organisation also asked the commission to disclose its system for tracking political financing, including cash and non-cash donations, digital and social media spending, third-party expenditure and funds channelled through intermediaries.

SERAP said the information was necessary to enable citizens, journalists and civil society groups to scrutinise political financing and assess whether INEC is effectively enforcing electoral laws.

It argued that INEC’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond receiving financial statements from political parties, saying the commission is empowered to examine party finances, investigate suspected violations and submit reports to the National Assembly.

The organisation expressed concern over the growing influence of money in Nigerian elections, warning that undisclosed or excessive political spending could undermine fair competition.

SERAP further requested INEC’s latest examination and audit reports on political parties, details of enforcement actions taken over financial violations and its political-finance monitoring plan for the 2027 elections.

It also wants the commission to publish parties’ statements of assets and liabilities, sources of funds, expenditure records, audited accounts and election spending returns covering 2023 to 2025.

The group asked INEC to identify political parties that submitted reports on contributions received after the 2023 elections, including the dates of submission and actions taken against parties that failed to meet statutory deadlines.

SERAP said Section 226 of the 1999 Constitution requires INEC to prepare and submit annual reports on the accounts and balance sheets of political parties to the National Assembly.

It also cited Section 91(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which empowers INEC to limit contributions to political parties or candidates and require information on the amount and source of donations.

SERAP warned that it would consider legal action if INEC fails to provide the requested information within seven days.

The organisation said greater transparency in political financing was essential to protecting electoral integrity and ensuring that Nigerians can participate freely and make informed choices in the 2027 elections.