The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has officially requested that all 19 presidential candidates recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proactively release details regarding their assets, liabilities, and those of their immediate family members. In a letter dated August 8, 2026, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization emphasized that these disclosures should include the legitimate origins of their wealth prior to the 2027 election cycle.
Beyond financial transparency, the group insisted that all candidates must publicly renounce vote-buying. They urged aspirants to mandate their campaign organizations, party members, and supporters to refrain from offering money or material gifts to influence voters. SERAP argued that voters deserve to make decisions based on policy, competence, and character rather than financial incentives.
The list of addressed candidates includes high-profile figures such as President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, alongside 16 others. SERAP noted that while the law requires asset declarations after taking office, voluntary disclosure beforehand is essential to build public trust, identify potential conflicts of interest, and protect the integrity of the democratic process. The organization reiterated that exploiting economic hardship through bribery threatens the constitutional principle that sovereignty resides with the people.
