The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on all 19 presidential candidates listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to voluntarily disclose their assets and liabilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SERAP made the demand on Wednesday in a statement published on its official Facebook page as part of its “Clean Campaign, Clean Government” campaign.
The organisation urged the presidential candidates to publish details of their assets and liabilities, including those belonging to their spouses and, where applicable, unmarried children below the age of 18.
It also called on the candidates to disclose the legitimate sources of their significant assets, arguing that Nigerians have a right to scrutinise the financial interests and wealth of individuals seeking to manage the country’s public resources.
SERAP acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not expressly require presidential candidates to declare their assets before an election.
However, it pointed to Section 140(1) of the Constitution, which requires an elected President to make the prescribed asset declaration before assuming office.
The organisation said presidential candidates should go beyond the constitutional minimum by voluntarily making their financial declarations public before Nigerians cast their votes.
READ ALSO: SERAP Demands Probe Into Alleged Vote-Buying, Violence In Osun Poll
“The 19 candidates seeking to become President should lead by example,” SERAP said, stressing the importance of transparency in the electoral process.
The group further warned that it would consider legal action if presidential candidates refused or failed to voluntarily publish their assets.
According to SERAP, such legal steps would be aimed at ensuring Nigerians have access to information required to scrutinise the wealth, financial interests and sources of assets of those seeking the presidency.
“Let the campaign begin with transparency. Clean campaign, clean government,” the organisation stated.
SERAP concluded its call with the hashtags #DeclareYourAssets2026, #CleanCampaignCleanGovernment and #Nigeria2027.