SERAP Threatens Legal Action Over ₦126bn INEC Electoral Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to drag the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court unless it accounts for more than ₦126.46 billion in electoral funds linked to findings by the Auditor-General.

SERAP said INEC must, within seven days, provide documentary and physical evidence showing that the money was used for its intended purpose and clarify what happened to the electoral materials reportedly procured with the funds.

The group particularly pointed to ₦112.15 billion described in the audit findings as “irregularly paid” for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

Questions were also raised about some of the contractors involved in the transactions. SERAP wants the commission to establish whether the companies and suppliers had the capacity to execute the contracts and whether the goods and services they were paid for were actually delivered.

The organisation said the review should also determine whether payments corresponded with the value of materials supplied or services rendered and whether procurement contracts were split to avoid established requirements.

SERAP called on anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate the transactions if necessary. It said any probe should extend to public officials who authorised or facilitated questionable payments, as well as the contractors and other private entities that received the funds.

It further demanded that any money found to have been improperly spent or received be recovered and returned to government coffers.

SERAP also warned against the disposal or transfer of any electoral equipment or other public assets covered by the audit findings until the issues surrounding their procurement and use have been fully resolved.

According to the organisation, Nigerians are entitled to know how public institutions spend public funds, particularly money allocated for electoral operations.

SERAP said failure by INEC to provide the requested information within the stipulated seven-day period would lead to legal action aimed at compelling compliance in the public interest.