ActionAid demands probe of governors over alleged campaign funding

Civil society organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, has called for the investigation and possible impeachment of any state governor found to have used public funds for political campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The organisation raised concerns over reports alleging that some serving governors may have mobilised huge sums of money for political campaigns and efforts aimed at consolidating political influence.

 

In a statement signed on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, ActionAid described the allegations as disturbing, warning that public resources must not be converted into political war chests.

 

“It is appalling that at a time when Nigeria is drowning in debt, workers are struggling with the rising cost of living, public hospitals are underfunded, schools are collapsing, insecurity is spreading, and millions of Nigerians are battling hunger and extreme economic hardship, that any suggestion that public resources are being diverted or deployed for political campaigns,” Mamedu said.

 

“It is outrageous, reckless, immoral, and completely unacceptable.”

 

He stressed that governors were elected to serve citizens and not to channel state resources toward political ambitions.

 

“Nigerians did not vote for public office holders to use taxpayer funds, state allocations, public procurement systems, security votes, government assets, or state institutions to fund political ambitions and electoral calculations,” he added.

 

ActionAid demanded transparency from governors and political actors allegedly linked to the reports, insisting Nigerians deserved to know the true source of the funds being used for political mobilisation.

 

“If these funds did not come from public resources, then those involved must come out publicly and transparently state so,” the organisation said.

 

The group also called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as State Houses of Assembly, to launch immediate investigations into the allegations.

 

“This is a matter of public interest, democratic integrity, accountability, and the protection of public resources belonging to millions of Nigerians,” the statement noted.

 

Mamedu further urged state legislatures to begin impeachment proceedings against any governor found guilty of diverting public resources for partisan purposes.

 

“Any governor who diverts public resources for political campaigns has violated public trust and abused the mandate given to them by citizens. Such individuals should not remain in office,” he stated.

 

He added that sanctions should include prosecution, recovery of diverted funds, removal from office and disqualification from holding public office in the future.

 

According to ActionAid, the misuse of state resources for political activities threatens democratic fairness by giving incumbents undue advantage ahead of elections.

 

The organisation noted that established democracies maintain strict regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of public office for political gain.

 

It also urged citizens, civil society organisations and whistleblowers to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

“The defence of democracy cannot be left to institutions alone. Citizens must actively defend their states, their resources, and the integrity of public governance,” Mamedu said.