ActionAid demands probe into governors allegedly funding campaigns with public money

ActionAid Nigeria has urged the immediate impeachment of any state governor found to have used public funds for political campaign activities, amid concerns over alleged financial mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NGO raised alarm over reports that some governors may be diverting or contributing large sums for political campaigns, questioning the source of such funds.

It said the allegations have sparked serious national concern.

ActionAid Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday that the situation is unacceptable, warning against misuse of public resources.

Mamedu stated, “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.

“It is outrageous, reckless, immoral, and completely unacceptable. Let it be clearly stated that governors are not elected to convert state resources into political war chests.

“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 also demanded transparency from those linked to the allegations.

“ActionAid Nigeria, therefore, demands an immediate public explanation from all governors and political actors allegedly linked to these reports.

“Nigerians deserve to know whether these funds came from legitimate private political fundraising or whether state resources were directly or indirectly used, leveraged, diverted, coordinated, or disguised for political purposes.

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

The group called on anti-corruption agencies and state assemblies to investigate the matter.

It urged the EFCC, ICPC, and State Houses of Assembly to begin a full probe.

ActionAid also insisted that any governor found guilty should face impeachment and prosecution, along with recovery of diverted funds and political disqualification.

It warned that misuse of state resources ahead of the 2027 elections could undermine democracy and give incumbents unfair advantage.

The organisation stressed that while political parties can fundraise legally, public resources must not be involved.

It also called on citizens and civil society groups to stay vigilant in defending democratic integrity.