2027 Elections: SERAP urges INEC to publish political donation limits, party finances

A civil society group has called on Nigeria's electoral commission to reveal the limits on political donations set under new election laws ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued the demand in a letter addressed to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, on Sunday. SERAP, represented by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized the urgency of the request, citing the release of the Notice of Election and the timetable for the upcoming polls. The organization argued that transparency regarding financial regulations is crucial to ensuring fair electoral practices and enabling voters to make informed decisions. The group specifically asked INEC to clarify whether it had used its authority under section 91 of the Electoral Act, 2026, to establish limits on political contributions. If such limits exist, SERAP requested that they be published and communicated broadly to political parties, candidates, donors, and the public. Additionally, SERAP sought information on the mechanisms INEC has established to oversee and enforce compliance with these limits. This includes inquiries into the systems, personnel, and procedures in place to monitor political financing, especially concerning cash and in-kind contributions, digital and social media spending, third-party expenditures, and donations channeled through intermediaries. The organization highlighted the need for transparency to prevent the distortion of electoral competition through excessive or illicit funding. It noted that the growing role of money in Nigerian politics, combined with possible abuse of state institutions, threatens the integrity of the democratic process. SERAP pointed out that political parties, candidates, and their supporters are already gathering resources, seeking contributions, organizing events, buying media and digital ads, and incurring expenses related to campaigns. Therefore, the group urged INEC to outline its plans for monitoring political financing during this period, focusing particularly on contributions and expenditures involving cash, in-kind donations, digital and social media advertising, political consultants, and third-party campaign costs. The organization referenced Section 91(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which grants INEC the authority to impose restrictions on the amount of money or other assets individuals can contribute to political parties or candidates. It also mentioned Section 91(2), which outlines penalties for exceeding the limits set by the commission. These provisions, according to SERAP, serve as critical safeguards against undue financial influence in politics. SERAP stressed that INEC's duties extend beyond merely receiving financial disclosures from political entities. The Constitution mandates the commission to scrutinize political party finances, conduct investigations, and report findings to the National Assembly. Making these reports public would allow citizens to assess whether these constitutional and legal obligations have been fulfilled effectively. The organization warned that the rising financialization of Nigerian elections, coupled with the risk of misusing state institutions, presents significant challenges to democratic principles and electoral fairness. By disclosing the requested information, citizens could detect excessive, hidden, or possibly illegal political financing before it undermines electoral competition, rather than only after the results are known. As the 2027 elections approach, the call for transparency underscores the importance of maintaining trust in the electoral process. With political actors actively preparing for the campaign season, the clarity provided by INEC could play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the upcoming elections.