Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on all 19 presidential candidates announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publicly disclose their assets, liabilities, and sources of wealth ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rights group insists that transparency is essential for credible democracy and urged candidates to go beyond legal requirements by voluntarily revealing financial details. SERAP also asked candidates to make public the assets of their spouses and, where applicable, their unmarried children under 18 years of age.
In a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized that those seeking Nigeria’s highest office must demonstrate integrity before asking voters to entrust them with immense constitutional powers. Candidates are expected to reveal legitimate sources of their significant assets and publicly reject any form of vote-buying or electoral bribery during the campaign period. SERAP believes such disclosures will help build public trust and ensure accountability in leadership.
The group argued that Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its citizens and should not be undermined by corrupt practices like buying votes or treating public office as private property. “Those seeking the highest public office must be willing to meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity,” SERAP stated. The call comes at a time when concerns over corruption and lack of transparency in Nigerian politics remain high among citizens and civil society groups.
SERAP stressed that candidates should not wait until after winning elections to disclose their finances. Instead, they should proactively publish their financial information before the polls to allow voters to make informed decisions. This move, according to the organization, would set a new standard for ethical political conduct in Nigeria. It also serves as a check against potential misuse of power once elected into office.
The request aligns with global best practices in democratic governance, where transparency in candidate finances is seen as a cornerstone of fair elections. By urging candidates to embrace higher ethical standards, SERAP aims to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. The group’s intervention follows previous calls for greater openness in Nigerian politics, especially during election periods.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 presidential election, this demand from SERAP could influence how candidates present themselves to the electorate. The push for financial disclosure may become a key factor in voter decision-making, particularly among an increasingly informed and engaged citizenry. Moving forward, the level of compliance by candidates may shape perceptions of credibility and integrity in the upcoming electoral cycle.
Leave a Comment