The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate a reported ₦100 million donation announced by a group described as APC youths in Kogi State, warning that the development could violate Nigeria’s campaign finance laws ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, the civil society organisation said the donation—reportedly earmarked for the future purchase of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential nomination form—raises serious legal, ethical, and democratic concerns.
KDI noted that while political mobilisation and support are legitimate in a democracy, Nigeria’s electoral framework places clear limits on political financing to curb excessive influence, monetisation of politics, and unfair competition.
The organisation expressed particular concern that the donation was publicly announced and celebrated at a political rally, allegedly in the presence of senior public officials, describing the circumstance as troubling and deserving of immediate regulatory scrutiny.
“While civic engagement is a legitimate part of democratic participation, campaign and political financing in Nigeria are not without limits,” Idowu said.
KDI cited provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, noting that Section 87 empowers INEC to regulate political contributions, while Section 88 places a ₦50 million cap on donations by individuals or entities to a candidate in any election.
According to the group, although the ₦100 million contribution was presented as funding for a future nomination form, its stated purpose is clearly linked to promoting the political ambition of a named candidate, raising prima facie compliance concerns and the risk of setting a dangerous precedent.
“Large, highly publicised political contributions—especially those associated with organised political structures—risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process if left unscrutinised,” Idowu added.
KDI also raised concerns over reports suggesting the presence and endorsement of public officials at the event, warning that such actions could be interpreted as legitimising potential breaches of electoral regulations and weakening accountability.
The organisation cautioned that failure by regulatory and law-enforcement agencies to act promptly could normalise excessive political spending, weaken enforcement of campaign finance laws, erode public trust in oversight institutions, and increase barriers for less-resourced political actors ahead of 2027.
KDI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s political finance system, pledging continued engagement with stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the country’s democratic process.