SERAP demands full disclosure of Tinubu’s ₦50,000 relief scheme, raises 2027 vote-buying concerns

SERAP demands full disclosure of Tinubu’s ₦50,000 relief scheme, raises 2027 vote-buying concerns

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded full disclosure of the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), raising concerns over possible political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SERAP made the demand in a Freedom of Information request dated November 7, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.

The organisation asked the Federal Government to publish details of the scheme’s funding, budgetary allocations, money released and spent, beneficiary selection criteria, verification procedures and geographical distribution of recipients.

It also demanded clarification on whether the ₦50,000 assistance would be paid once or monthly, noting that the ministry’s October 30 announcement described the intervention as a monthly payment, while a subsequent Frequently Asked Questions document did not clearly specify its duration.

SERAP warns against political manipulation

The organisation expressed concern that the government’s relief programme could be exploited to reward political supporters, secure partisan loyalty or influence voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

SERAP insisted that the financial assistance must be distributed strictly according to genuine needs and objective eligibility criteria.

It further stated that beneficiaries must not be required to attend political rallies, support any political party or candidate, display political materials or demonstrate political loyalty as a condition for receiving the assistance.

According to SERAP, the intervention is a government programme funded with public resources and should not be presented as a personal gift from any political office-holder or party.

Demands details of payment providers

SERAP also requested copies of agreements between the government and digital financial service providers involved in administering the payments, including OPay, Moniepoint, ALAT, MoMo PSB and NairaGram.

It wants the government to disclose the responsibilities, contractual obligations, service charges and performance of the companies handling the payments.

The organisation also raised concerns over reports that some Nigerians who received notifications of the ₦50,000 assistance were unable to access or withdraw the funds, while others reportedly received messages indicating that they were ineligible.

It called on the ministry to investigate the complaints, publish its findings and ensure that all qualified beneficiaries receive their payments.

Calls for EFCC and ICPC monitoring

To strengthen accountability, SERAP urged President Tinubu to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the programme’s implementation and expenditure.

The group also called for the publication of anonymised beneficiary figures by state and local government area to enable Nigerians to independently assess the distribution of the funds.

SERAP referenced concerns raised in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2024 Annual Report over more than ₦78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted or unaccounted for in the administration of social intervention and cash transfer programmes.

The organisation said these concerns underline the need for proper financial records, independent verification and effective oversight of the new intervention.

SERAP gave the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction seven days from receipt or publication of its letter to provide the requested information and address its demands.

It warned that it would consider legal action against the ministry and other relevant authorities if they failed to comply within the stipulated period.

The development comes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, with questions surrounding government spending, social welfare programmes and the transparent distribution of public resources attracting increased attention.