ABUJA, July 12, 2026 — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking judicial intervention over allegations that more than ₦800 billion in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds was diverted by governors to finance election campaigns.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asks the court to compel INEC to investigate the alleged misuse of public funds and enforce relevant provisions of the Electoral Act where violations are established.

According to SERAP, the organisation is requesting an order directing the electoral commission to identify and sanction any political parties, candidates or public officials found to have benefited from the alleged diversion of public resources.

The group argued that the alleged use of FAAC allocations for political campaigns, if proven, amounts to a breach of Nigeria’s electoral laws and undermines the integrity of the democratic process.

“The allegations of diversion of public funds for election campaigns, if left unchecked, would seriously undermine the integrity of the electoral process and public confidence in democratic institutions.”

SERAP maintained that INEC has both the constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate credible allegations of electoral misconduct.

The organisation also contended that public funds allocated for governance and development should never be converted into campaign resources, stressing that accountability is essential for protecting democracy and promoting transparency.

“Public funds meant for the welfare of Nigerians should not be diverted to fund political campaigns.”

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that INEC has a legal obligation to investigate the allegations and take appropriate enforcement measures against anyone found to have violated the Electoral Act.

SERAP further argued that failure to act on credible reports of campaign finance abuse could encourage impunity and weaken public trust in future elections.

The case comes as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with increasing attention being placed on campaign financing, transparency and compliance with electoral regulations.

INEC had not publicly responded to the lawsuit at the time the legal action was filed.