Organizations Cite Partisan Mobilization Reports
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have called for action against serving heads of federal government agencies and parastatals allegedly involved in political mobilization for President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
The organizations raised concerns that the reported involvement of serving chief executives in partisan political activities could undermine the neutrality of public institutions and create potential conflicts of interest.
CISLAC, identified as the Transparency International chapter in Nigeria, stated that reports indicating the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals had pledged to mobilize 10 million votes for Tinubu raised serious questions about the use of public institutions for partisan political activities.
Definitions of Political Corruption and Legal Boundaries
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC executive director, stated that political corruption includes the abuse of entrusted public authority, government programs, institutional influence, and official resources for partisan advantage, not just the diversion or theft of public funds.
Rafsanjani asserted that chief executives exercise control over public funds, personnel, contracts, programs, regulatory powers, and institutional networks which should not be converted into political assets for any incumbent administration, candidate, or political party.
While acknowledging that appointment to public office does not automatically deprive citizens of constitutional rights to freedom of association and political participation, Rafsanjani stressed these rights must be exercised within legal and ethical responsibilities attached to public office.
CISLAC cited Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 as prohibiting the use of state apparatus to advantage or disadvantage a political party or candidate, alongside applicable Public Service Rules governing partisan political activity.
Specific Warnings and Calls for Sanctions
CISLAC warned that serving agency heads should not use public funds, official vehicles, government offices, staff time, databases, beneficiary lists, contractors, procurement relationships, communication platforms, employment opportunities, or government programs for electoral campaigning.
The organization called on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue a clear warning to heads of ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals against the partisan use of public institutions and resources.
CISLAC urged relevant authorities to investigate credible allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of office, diversion of public resources, or improper use of institutional authority. The group stated that any chief executive found to have deployed agency resources or official powers for campaign purposes should face sanctions including disciplinary or administrative measures and prosecution where a criminal offense is established.
Additionally, CISLAC called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the Electoral Act and investigate credible evidence of the misuse of state apparatus. The group also urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a government-wide directive clearly separating official responsibilities from partisan political mobilization.
HURIWA Demands Removal of Active Officials
Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA National Coordinator, issued a statement in Abuja calling for the removal of such officials. The association called on President Tinubu to remove from office any serving head of a federal agency who actively engages in partisan campaigning while retaining their government appointment.