The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to disclose limits on political donations as outlined in section 91 of the Electoral Act 2026. The suit questions whether INEC has used its authority to set these limits and, if so, why this information has not been shared with political parties, candidates, donors, and the public. This action aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair competition in elections.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja with case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2114/2026, seeks a court order requiring INEC to disclose whether it has set limits on political contributions, the specific limits, and how it plans to publish and share this information. SERAP also requests that INEC reveal its systems and procedures for monitoring, investigating, and enforcing rules on political donations and campaign spending, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.
SERAP argues that transparency in political funding is crucial for ensuring fair elections and allowing citizens to make informed choices. The organization claims that INEC's duty is not just to collect financial reports from political parties but also to review party finances, carry out investigations, and report back to the National Assembly, as required by the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as updated).
The lawsuit states that voters, reporters, and civil-society groups cannot effectively check political financing if the rules are hard to find or if there is no known way for monitoring compliance. The increasing monetization of Nigeria's elections and potential misuse of state institutions pose serious threats to democratic integrity and electoral competition.
SERAP is seeking a court order to compel INEC to disclose and publish political-contribution limits prescribed under section 91 of the Electoral Act 2026, as well as political parties' latest financial statements, audited accounts, sources of funds, assets, liabilities, and election-expenditure returns for 2023–2025. The organization also wants INEC to disclose its examination and audit reports under sections 225 and 226.
The lawsuit highlights Nigeria's long-standing difficulties in managing political finance, including high campaign spending, unclear sources of political money, weak reporting standards, and limited enforcement of spending and contribution laws. Past evaluations of Nigeria's elections have pointed out serious differences between the legal system and its practical implementation.
Transparency about the financial affairs of political parties is crucial for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to participate in public affairs and form and belong to political associations. The existence of statutory limits on political contributions and election expenditure aims to prevent excessive financial influence during political competition.
Key points
- SERAP initiates lawsuit against INEC over failure to disclose political donation limits
- Lawsuit seeks transparency in political funding for fair 2027 elections
- INEC's failure to disclose limits raises concerns about adherence to the law
