SERAP Takes INEC To Court Over N800bn FAAC Funds

Serap Takes Inec To Court Over N800bn Faac Funds

You won't believe the latest twist in Nigeria's electoral saga. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged diversion of N800bn FAAC funds.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, revealed in a statement that reports alleged that APC governors were making monthly deductions from their FAAC allocations into a dedicated fund meant to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.

SERAP wants INEC to probe the allegations and determine whether any provisions of Nigeria's electoral laws have been breached. The organisation is also seeking an order compelling INEC to obtain full disclosure from the governors and the APC regarding any contributions made to campaign-related funds.

According to reports, the alleged diversion of public funds for political purposes, if proven, would amount to an abuse of state resources and could compromise the credibility of the 2027 elections.

SERAP argued that the allegations raise serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government.

SERAP's suit is not the first time INEC has been in the spotlight. In the past, INEC has come under fire for failing to proactively enforce constitutional and electoral safeguards designed to prevent political finance abuses.

The organisation accused INEC of failing to take decisive action against the APC governors, stating that continued inaction could erode public trust in the country's electoral system.

SERAP argued that transparency in political funding is essential to preventing corruption, undue influence, and state capture.

The organisation cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which requires INEC to regulate political donations, demand disclosure of funding sources, and sanction individuals or parties that exceed prescribed contribution limits.

SERAP also relied on provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that any deployment of public funds for partisan political purposes would not only amount to financial misconduct but would also distort electoral competition and deny citizens a level playing field in choosing their leaders.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

SERAP's lawsuit is a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria's electoral process. With the 2027 elections just around the corner, the stakes are high, and the public expects nothing but the highest standards of integrity from INEC.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the organisation would continue to monitor the situation and take any necessary action to ensure that the electoral body upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.

SERAP's lawsuit has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

As the case unfolds, one thing is certain: the public's eyes will be on INEC, and the commission will be under intense scrutiny to ensure that it upholds the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

SERAP's lawsuit is a call to action for INEC to take decisive action against the APC governors and restore public confidence in the electoral process.

With the 2027 elections just around the corner, the need for transparency and accountability has never been greater. Nigerians deserve nothing but the highest standards of integrity from their electoral body, and SERAP's lawsuit is a stark reminder of this fact.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the organisation would continue to push for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

SERAP's lawsuit has the potential to spark a major shift in the way politics is conducted in Nigeria, and Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see what the outcome will be.

With the stakes so high, one thing is certain: the public is watching, and INEC will be under intense scrutiny to ensure that it upholds the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

SERAP's lawsuit is a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria's electoral process. With the 2027 elections just around the corner, the stakes are high, and the public expects nothing but the highest standards of integrity from INEC.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the organisation would continue to monitor the situation and take any necessary action to ensure that the electoral body upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.

SERAP's lawsuit has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the organisation would continue to push for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

SERAP's lawsuit has the potential to spark a major shift in the way politics is conducted in Nigeria, and Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see what the outcome will be.