According to Global Integrity Report, published by Global Integrity, a US-based watchdog, Political parties, especially the ruling party in Nigeria has allegedly misappropriated public funds overtime.
The report tagged: ‘Money, Politics and Transparency project’ obtained by The Nation showed that the role of money in politics challenges states worldwide, both rich and poor. Its abuse often raises problems of graft, corruption and cronyism, undermining legitimacy and governance.
“No direct or indirect public funding is available for parties or candidates in Nigeria. Despite a prohibition on the use of non-financial state resources during campaigns, the ruling party availed itself of state buildings, vehicles and staff for campaign purposes in 2011.”
Specifically, in Nigeria, the data shows that contributions to parties are capped however, unlimited donations may be made to parties. Additionally, in 2011 only two of 23 parties filed their expenditure report. The legal framework includes some prohibitions on contributions, though a number of loopholes exist.
Anonymous donations to parties are not permitted, though candidates may receive them. Individual contributions to parties are capped, but unlimited donations may be made to candidates.
Corporations may not give at all to parties, and are limited in how much they can legally contribute to candidates. Foreign financing is banned for parties, but not for candidates.
Spending limits are in place, but apply only to candidates, not parties. These patchwork restrictions and the absence of public funding combine to create a system in which parties and candidates rely heavily on private donors, some of whom violate contribution caps. Indeed, violations of both contribution and expenditure were common in the 2011 elections.
Legal reporting requirements are not onerous, and apply only to parties. In practice, parties regularly fail to file the required reports: only 2 of 23 parties filed annual reports in 2011.
Third party actors, in the form of political organisations that support specific campaigns, are present in Nigeria, and they are not subject to any regulations.
