The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for more than N126.46bn appropriated for electoral operations.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks an order compelling INEC to disclose how the funds were spent, including details of payments, contractors, beneficiaries and the procurement of election materials, equipment and vehicles.
SERAP said its action followed findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026. The report allegedly identified several transactions involving billions of naira in which procurement procedures were not followed or sufficient evidence of the delivery of goods and services was unavailable.
According to the organisation, the report questioned the payment of about N112.16bn for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or the required clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement. Other transactions allegedly involved payments for vehicles, election materials, audit services and accreditation devices.
SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to provide documentary evidence showing that the items and services were supplied and to disclose the identities of contractors and public officials involved in the transactions. It also wants the commission to account for the current location and status of the electoral materials.
The organisation said transparency in the management of electoral funds was essential to public confidence in the electoral process, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
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