The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an investigation into a “staggering and systemic diversion” of public funds, following a World Bank disclosure that about N34.53 trillion in Federal Government revenue was withheld or deducted through opaque mechanisms between 2023 and 2025.
This was as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to investigate the allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted N800 billion for political and campaign purposes.
In a statement yesterday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that the revelation confirmed long-held suspicions that a “shadow financial system” now operates within Nigeria’s public finance architecture, enabling the diversion of revenue outside constitutional appropriation processes.
According to HURIWA, the World Bank report, which indicated that roughly 41 per cent of federation revenue failed to reach the Federation Account due to so-called “first-line charges” represents “a catastrophic indictment” of Nigeria’s fiscal governance structure.
The organisation warned that the development, if left unchecked, poses a serious threat to democratic accountability, economic stability, and public trust in government institutions.
It 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, on its part. urged Amupitan to request full disclosure from the governors and APC regarding the alleged contributions made to any dedicated campaign fund, including the identity of donors and the lawful origin of funds, and to provide the details to our organisation.
The body also urged 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 contribution.
In a letter over the weekend signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the allegations raised serious concerns about political finance transparency, electoral fairness, and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in their own government.
The organisation said the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust.
It noted fairness, transparency and accountability in political or campaign finance as 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.
In this article