SERAP files lawsuit against INEC over N55.9bn mismanaged election funds, seeking disclosure of contractors and recovery of missing money
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission over the alleged mismanagement of N55.9bn intended for the 2019 general elections.
Also read: Nkem Okeke praises Soludo’s infrastructure drive in Anambra
The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demands that INEC disclose details of all contractors, their directors, shareholders, and recover the missing funds.
The allegations, highlighted in the Auditor-General’s annual report published on 9 September 2025, accuse the commission of failing to properly account for disbursed funds.
Several payments were reportedly made without supporting documentation or approval.
SERAP stated that INEC’s failure to maintain transparency undermines Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections.
“INEC cannot ensure impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not satisfactorily addressed, perpetrators prosecuted, and proceeds of corruption recovered,” the organisation said.
The Auditor-General’s report cited multiple irregularities, including over N5.3bn paid to a contractor for smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence of delivery.
Payments exceeding N4.5bn to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets reportedly lacked documentation, including evidence of bidding and contractor eligibility.
Additional questionable expenditures include N331m for various contracts, N41bn for election material printing without due process, and N297m for four Toyota Land Cruisers, significantly above market value.
The commission also reportedly failed to retire over N630m in cash advances and neglected to deduct over N2.1bn in stamp duties from contractors.
Also read: Lanre Ojelabi Launches 2026 Scholarship Initiative for Ogun Students
SERAP’s legal team, led by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, described the allegations as a “grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, and international anti-corruption standards.” No date has been set for the hearing of the case.
