The Kimpact Development Initiative has questioned the legality of a reported N100m contribution by Kogi State youths towards the proposed purchase of the 2027 presidential nomination form for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The civic organisation called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the source of the funds and determine whether the contribution complies with existing electoral and financial regulations.
KDI also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to clarify the legal status of pooled or group-based contributions meant for nomination forms and ensure full disclosure of the origin, structure and intended use of the reported N100m in line with Sections 89 and 90 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, titled, “N100 Million ‘Donation’ by Kogi APC Youth Group: Serious Legal Questions and a Troubling Signal for the 2027 Elections.”
Idowu urged the EFCC to ascertain the source of the funds and evaluate compliance with anti-money laundering and financial accountability laws, while calling on the police to investigate any potential breaches of electoral regulations.
He said, “Respect for campaign finance laws is essential to democratic legitimacy. Political enthusiasm must operate within the boundaries of the law, and regulatory institutions must act decisively when those boundaries appear threatened.”
The organisation expressed concern that the financial pledge was publicly celebrated at a political rally reportedly attended by senior public officials, describing the development as raising legal, ethical and democratic questions requiring urgent clarification by regulatory agencies.
KDI noted that although political support and civic participation were legitimate in a democracy, campaign financing in Nigeria was subject to strict legal safeguards designed to prevent undue influence and the monetisation of politics.
Explaining the legal implications, Idowu stated that Section 87(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political contributions, while Section 88(8) imposes a N50m ceiling on donations by individuals or entities in support of any candidate in an election.
He added that although the N100m contribution was described as funding for a future nomination form, its purpose was directly linked to advancing the political ambition of a named candidate, raising concerns about potential violations of statutory limits.
According to him, allowing such contributions without regulatory clarification could create a precedent where contribution limits are circumvented through support groups or informal political associations.
The group also cited Sections 221 and 225 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which impose strict transparency and accountability requirements on political parties regarding their sources of funding.
Idowu warned that large and widely publicised political donations linked to public officeholders or organised political groups could undermine public confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system if not subjected to proper scrutiny.
KDI further expressed concern over reports that public officials were present at the event where the contribution was announced, noting that public officeholders had a higher responsibility to uphold the law and avoid actions capable of legitimising non-compliance with electoral regulations.
The organisation cautioned that failure by relevant authorities to promptly clarify or address the development could weaken enforcement of campaign finance laws, reduce public trust in democratic institutions and create barriers for less financially endowed political actors.
Idowu added that a credible 2027 election process would depend on consistent, transparent and impartial enforcement of political finance regulations across board.
