Publish assets before election, SERAP urges Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on all 19 presidential candidates to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities before the 2027 general election. The organization, in an open letter dated August 8, 2026, also urged candidates to reveal the legitimate sources of their significant assets and to publicly reject vote-buying and electoral bribery.

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Candidates asking Nigerians to entrust them with enormous constitutional powers over public finances, natural resources, appointments and security institutions should be willing, before asking for their votes, to demonstrate that their personal financial affairs can withstand reasonable public scrutiny.

SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that candidates seeking Nigeria's highest office should voluntarily adopt higher standards of transparency and integrity. "Candidates asking Nigerians to entrust them with enormous constitutional powers over public finances, natural resources, appointments and security institutions should be willing, before asking for their votes, to demonstrate that their personal financial affairs can withstand reasonable public scrutiny," the organization stated.

The call includes presidential candidates from major parties such as President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), and Peter Obi (NDC), along with candidates from numerous other parties. SERAP stressed that public office is a public trust and that those seeking it must be prepared to meet the highest standards of accountability.

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Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its citizens. Votes must not be bought. Public office must not be treated as private property. Those seeking the highest public office must be willing to meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity.

The organization believes the 2027 election offers an opportunity for political leaders to prove their commitment to public service. Candidates who voluntarily disclose their assets and reject corrupt practices can demonstrate their readiness to lead with integrity.

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The 2027 presidential election presents an opportunity for political leaders to show that public office is a public trust. Candidates who voluntarily disclose their assets and reject vote-buying can show that they are prepared to up