SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged ₦126.46bn Electoral Funds Irregularities

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja over its alleged failure to account for more than ₦126.46 billion appropriated for electoral operations.

The organisation is seeking a court order compelling the electoral commission to disclose how the funds were released, spent and distributed, including details of payments to contractors, suppliers and other beneficiaries.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026, follows allegations contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026. The reported transactions covered periods between January and December 2022, with some extending to December 31, 2023.

According to SERAP, the funds were intended for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials, result sheets, vehicles, accreditation equipment, audit services, digital archiving and other requirements for conducting elections.

The organisation alleged that the audit report identified payments made without compliance with procurement procedures and, in some instances, without sufficient evidence that the contracted goods and services had been supplied.

One of the largest transactions involved ₦112.16 billion allegedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or a certificate of no objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement. The Auditor-General reportedly found no evidence that the items had been procured and recommended recovery of the funds over concerns that the money might have been diverted.

SERAP also cited an alleged payment of approximately ₦1.06 billion for Toyota Prado TXL 2021 model vehicles without the required procurement procedures. The audit reportedly raised concerns about possible financial losses and inflated contract costs.

Other transactions highlighted in the suit included ₦3.14 billion allegedly paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before the contracts were awarded, as well as ₦9.25 billion for 22 contracts involving similar goods and services. The organisation said the contracts were allegedly divided to circumvent procurement requirements.

The suit further raised questions about payments of ₦129.38 million to 19 accounting firms for financial audit services, ₦504.49 million for accreditation devices and ₦235.10 million to contractors for sleeping mats and digital archiving services.

SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to provide documentary and physical evidence that the electoral materials were procured and to disclose their current locations and status.

It is also seeking an order directing the commission to preserve the equipment and other public assets covered by the audit findings, preventing their disposal, transfer or destruction in ways that could undermine accountability.

Additionally, the organisation wants INEC to publish the identities of contractors, suppliers, consultants and public officials who allegedly authorised, processed or benefited from the transactions.

SERAP argued that Nigerians have a right to know how public funds entrusted to the electoral commission were managed, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

It cited constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s international obligations on transparency, public procurement and the prevention of corruption in support of its case.

The organisation said greater disclosure was necessary to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and establish whether payments corresponded with goods and services actually delivered.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.