The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to account for more than ₦126.46 billion allocated for electoral operations.
The organisation is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel INEC to disclose how the funds were spent, following allegations of financial irregularities contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report.
The suit, filed last week, seeks details of payments, contractors, beneficiaries and the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral materials, vehicles and other election-related equipment. No hearing date has been announced.
According to SERAP, the report, published on August 7, 2026, identified several questionable transactions covering 2022 and extending into 2023.
The organisation alleged that more than ₦112 billion was irregularly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or the required certificate of no objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement. It added that the Auditor-General found no evidence that the items had been procured.
SERAP also raised concerns over payments exceeding ₦1 billion for Toyota Prado vehicles, more than ₦3.1 billion paid to four contractors for electoral materials before the contracts were awarded, and over ₦9.2 billion spent on 22 contracts allegedly split to circumvent procurement procedures.
Other transactions highlighted in the suit include ₦504 million for accreditation devices, ₦235 million for sleeping mats and digital archiving, and ₦129 million paid to accounting firms for audit services without sufficient evidence of utilization.
The organisation is asking the court to compel INEC to provide documentary and physical evidence showing that the items were procured and to disclose their current locations and status.
It is also seeking the publication of the names of contractors, suppliers, consultants and public officials who authorised or benefited from the transactions. SERAP wants INEC directed to preserve the assets involved to prevent their disposal or destruction while accountability efforts continue.
The group argued that transparent management of electoral funds is particularly important ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying Nigerians have a right to know how public resources allocated for credible elections are used.
SERAP further cited constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s international anti-corruption obligations in support of its case, insisting that public institutions must account for every naira entrusted to them.