The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an investigation into what it describes as a “staggering and systemic diversion” of public funds. This follows a World Bank disclosure that approximately N34.53 trillion in Federal Government revenue was withheld or deducted through opaque mechanisms between 2023 and 2025.
SERAP Urges INEC Chairman to Investigate APC Governors
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to investigate allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800 billion for political and campaign purposes.
HURIWA Statement on Shadow Financial System
In a statement released yesterday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, noted that the revelation confirmed long-held suspicions of a “shadow financial system” operating within Nigeria’s public finance architecture. This system, he argued, enables the diversion of revenue outside constitutional appropriation processes.
According to HURIWA, the World Bank report indicates that roughly 41 percent of federation revenue failed to reach the Federation Account due to so-called “first-line charges.” The organization described this as “a catastrophic indictment” of Nigeria’s fiscal governance structure.
The group warned that if left unchecked, this development poses a serious threat to democratic accountability, economic stability, and public trust in government institutions. They argued that while citizens continue to grapple with inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and worsening living conditions, the alleged diversion of such a colossal sum reflects “a morally indefensible and economically criminal arrangement” that benefits powerful state actors.
SERAP Demands Transparency in Political Financing
SERAP urged Professor Amupitan to request full disclosure from the governors and the APC regarding the alleged contributions made to any dedicated campaign fund. This includes the identity of donors and the lawful origin of funds, with details to be provided to the organization.
The body also called on him to urgently collaborate with appropriate anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce applicable sanctions where violations are identified, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of any unlawful contributions.
In a letter signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization stated 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 emphasized that the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. They noted that fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.
According to SERAP, opaque political financing remains a major entry point for corruption and a threat to democratic legitimacy. Nigerians deserve to know who funds the candidates or political parties of their choice and any sources of such funding.
