The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for ₦126.46 billion allocated for electoral operations, following audit findings that raised questions about the procurement of election materials, vehicles and other services.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with SERAP seeking an order of mandamus compelling the electoral commission to disclose how the funds were spent and identify the contractors and beneficiaries involved.
In a statement published on Sunday, October 18, 2026, SERAP said the case followed findings in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026.
The report examined transactions covering January to December 2022, with some findings extending to December 31, 2023.
According to SERAP, the organisation wants INEC to provide a comprehensive account of the money released, payments made, beneficiaries, procurement processes and evidence that the goods and services were delivered.
It is also seeking details of contractors, their beneficial owners and the measures taken to recover any funds found to have been improperly spent.
The most significant allegation concerns ₦112.16 billion paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), as required under the applicable procurement process.
SERAP, citing the Auditor-General’s report, said auditors found no evidence that the items had been procured. The report also questioned the competence, experience and addresses of companies awarded the contracts.
The Auditor-General expressed concern that the money might have been diverted and recommended its recovery, according to SERAP.
Another transaction flagged in the audit involved ₦1.06 billion paid for Toyota Prado TXL 2021-model vehicles without advertisement, competitive bidding, bid evaluation or a BPP Certificate of No Objection.
The audit findings also included ₦3.14 billion paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before the contracts were awarded.
In addition, SERAP cited ₦9.24 billion spent on 22 contracts over which questions were raised about the supply of items, alongside other payments involving accreditation devices, audit services and related electoral operations.
SERAP argued that the findings raise concerns about the management of public funds and the need for accountability at an institution responsible for conducting Nigeria’s elections.
“Electoral resources are public resources,” the organisation said in its earlier September 12, 2026 letter to INEC, urging the commission to account for the money and demonstrate that it was spent lawfully.
The organisation also said transparency was particularly important ahead of the 2027 general elections, as public confidence in the electoral process depends partly on the proper management of funds allocated to election administration.
The lawsuit follows SERAP’s September 13, 2026 demand that INEC account for the funds within seven days or face legal action.
It also comes after the organisation filed a separate suit against the Central Bank of Nigeria on October 11, 2026, seeking answers over $6.23 million in allegedly unaccounted-for election funds and more than ₦1.63 trillion in other public funds.
The allegations against INEC remain subject to legal proceedings. The suit seeks disclosure and accountability, the filing itself does not establish that the funds were stolen or diverted.
