The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organisation, has urged the 18 presidential candidates running in the 2023 election to frequently and publicly publish the sources of their campaign funding.
SERAP, in an open letter to all candidates, stated that directing their campaign councils and political parties to publish the sources would demonstrate leadership, transparency, and accountability.
In a letter signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP stated that it is concerned about political parties’ vulnerability to corruption because disproportionately large donations seeking specific outcomes or preferential treatment can undermine the larger public interest.
The presidential candidates are Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP); Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC); Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP); Mr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Professor Peter Umeadi of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Others are Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim of the Young Progressive Party (YPP); Omoyele Sowore of the Africa Action Congress (AAC); Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); Mr Kola Abiola of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Professor Christopher Imumulen of the Accord Party (AP); Dumebi Kachikwu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Yusuf Mamman Dan Talle of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
SERAP stated that it would consider appropriate legal actions to hold candidates and their political parties accountable for any violations of campaign funding requirements outlined in the Nigerian Constitution 1999, the Electoral Act, and international standards, even after the 2023 elections.
It also requested that the candidates sign ‘transparency pacts,’ which would require them to reveal the identities of donors and widely publicise donations and contributions, including on their party website and social media platforms.
SERAP also urged them to immediately summon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor their political party’s campaign funding and expenditures.
SERAP maintained that, “Transparency would help to control inappropriate influence on political candidates, and ensure fairness, equality, and accountability in Nigeria’s democracy.”
The group added that transparency in campaign funding would improve public trust in Nigeria’s politicians and political parties and show their commitment to prevent and combat corruption if elected.
It further noted that if Nigerians know where the money is coming from, they can scrutinise the details, and hold to account the candidate and party that receive the funds.
SERAP stated, “party corruption undermines the legitimacy of government, public trust and, ultimately, democracy.
“Opacity in campaign funding can distort the electoral competition and lead to state capture by wealthy politicians and individuals, and encourage politicians to divert public resources for political purposes.
“Transparency in campaign funding would ensure fair and open elections and address concerns about undue influence by the more economically advantaged and privileged individuals, as well as prevent corruption of the electoral process.
“Political parties provide the necessary link between voters and government. No other context is as important to democracy as elections to public office. Nigerians therefore must be informed about the sources of campaign funding of those who seek their votes.’’
According to SERAP, the UN Convention against corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligates states parties to enhance transparency in the funding of candidates for elected public office and where applicable, the funding of political parties.
