The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to disclose limits on political contributions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2114/2026 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to compel INEC to disclose whether it has prescribed limits on political contributions under Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2026, the specific limits prescribed, and the measures taken to publish and communicate them to political parties, candidates, donors and the public.
SERAP, in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said it is also seeking an order compelling INEC to disclose the systems and procedures in place to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance with contribution and campaign expenditure limits, particularly in preparation for the 2027 polls.
The group is also asking the court to compel INEC to disclose political parties’ latest financial statements, audited accounts, sources of funds, assets, liabilities and election expenditure returns for 2023 to 2025, as well as its examination and audit reports under Sections 225 and 226, including reports submitted to the National Assembly.
SERAP argued that greater transparency in political financing is essential to ensure the 2027 elections are conducted on a level playing field and that citizens are able to make free and informed political choices.
“INEC’s constitutional responsibility is not simply to receive financial statements from political parties. The Constitution requires the Commission to examine political-party finances, conduct necessary investigations and report to the National Assembly,” the group said.
