SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged Missing ₦55.9bn Election Funds, Seeks Full Accountability

SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged Missing ₦55.9bn Election Funds, Seeks Full Accountability

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for ₦55.9 billion reportedly missing or diverted from funds allocated for the 2019 general elections.

The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s annual report published on September 9, 2025, which raised red flags over payments for smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to account for the disputed ₦55.9 billion and to disclose the identities of all contractors paid from the funds, including the names of their directors and shareholders.

SERAP argued that allegations of corruption within INEC undermine free, fair and credible elections, insisting that the electoral body must operate transparently to protect Nigerians’ constitutional right to political participation.

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According to SERAP, failure to properly investigate and recover the funds, as well as prosecute those allegedly involved, would compromise INEC’s ability to impartially administer future elections.

The organisation cited findings by the Auditor-General, which alleged that INEC irregularly paid over ₦5.3 billion to a contractor for the supply of smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) or the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and with no evidence of supply.

The report also alleged that ₦4.5 billion was paid to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without documentation, while over ₦41 billion was spent on printing election materials without due process and without proof of contractors’ eligibility.

Additional findings included the alleged failure to deduct over ₦2.1 billion in stamp duties, non-retirement of ₦630 million in cash advances, questionable payments of ₦331 million to contractors under doubtful circumstances, and the alleged overpricing of Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles purchased for INEC officials.

SERAP described the allegations as a grave violation of public trust, calling on INEC to commit to transparency, accountability, clean governance, and the rule of law.

No hearing date has yet been fixed by the court.

SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged Missing ₦55.9bn Election Funds, Seeks Full Accountability