2027: SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days To Publish Party Funding Records
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has given the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, seven days to disclose political donation limits, campaign-finance monitoring measures and the financial records of registered political parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a Freedom of Information request dated August 22 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP asked INEC to clarify whether it has exercised its power under Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2026 to set limits on contributions made to political parties and candidates.
The organisation said Nigerians, political parties, candidates and donors should be informed of any applicable limits, the rules guiding them and the sanctions for violations.
SERAP also requested details of the systems, personnel and procedures INEC has established to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance with political donations and campaign spending limits during the 2027 election process.
It asked the commission to publish political parties’ latest financial records, including annual statements, audited accounts, election-expenditure returns and reports on contributions received after the 2023 general election.
The group further requested the publication of INEC’s reports on the examination and audit of political parties’ finances submitted to the National Assembly between 2023 and 2025.
SERAP said transparency in party financing is necessary to ensure that the 2027 elections are held on a level playing field and that voters are able to make informed choices.
According to the organisation, Nigerians cannot effectively scrutinise political financing if donation limits are not publicly available or if there is no known system for monitoring whether political parties and candidates are complying with the rules.
The group expressed concern over what it described as the increasing monetisation of elections, opaque sources of campaign funding and weak enforcement of existing electoral-finance rules.
It warned that excessive, undisclosed or potentially illicit funding could distort electoral competition before Nigerians cast their votes.
SERAP said INEC’s responsibility goes beyond receiving financial statements from political parties. It argued that the commission is constitutionally required to examine party accounts, conduct necessary investigations and submit reports to the National Assembly.
Section 91(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 empowers INEC to limit the amount of money or assets an individual may contribute to a political party or candidate. The provision also authorises the commission to demand information on donations and the sources of funds.
SERAP asked INEC to explain the criteria it uses, or intends to use, in setting donation limits. It said the commission should consider the need to prevent excessive influence in elections, promote fair competition, reduce corruption risks and protect electoral integrity.
The organisation also requested INEC’s plan for monitoring cash donations, in-kind contributions, digital and social-media campaign financing, third-party spending and donations made through intermediaries.
It asked the commission to disclose any enforcement action it has taken against parties, candidates or donors found to have breached political-finance rules.
SERAP gave INEC seven days to provide the requested information, warning that it would consider legal action in the public interest if the commission fails to respond.
