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| National Electoral Commission (INEC) |
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully account for more than ₦126.46 billion in public funds appropriated for electoral operations. The organisation claims the money was allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for, according to findings in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report published on 7 August 2026.
In a letter dated 12 September 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group addressed INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan. The funds in question were meant for the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive materials and result sheets, vehicles, accreditation devices, audit and consultancy services, digital archiving and other goods and services required for the conduct and administration of elections. The Auditor-General’s review covered transactions mainly between January and December 2022, with some extending to 31 December 2023.
SERAP is demanding detailed disclosure of the amounts paid, beneficiaries, contracts and procurement processes, contractors and suppliers involved, plus documentary and physical evidence of delivery, utilisation and the current status of the electoral assets. The organisation also wants INEC to refer the alleged irregularities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation, prosecution and recovery of any improperly paid or diverted funds.
Key findings highlighted by SERAP include an “irregular” payment of ₦112.16 billion for ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement Certificate of No Objection. The Auditor-General reportedly found no evidence that the items were procured and raised concerns that contracts went to companies whose competence, experience, capacity, addresses and factory locations were unknown, suggesting the money may have been diverted.
Other questioned expenditures include ₦1.06 billion paid for Toyota Prado TXL 2021-model vehicles without advertisement or competitive bidding; ₦3.14 billion paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before contracts were awarded; and ₦9.25 billion under 22 contracts that appeared to have been split to circumvent procurement rules and awarded on the same day. Additional sums flagged involve ₦129.38 million paid to 19 accounting firms without evidence of utilisation, ₦504.49 million for accreditation devices whose software was valid for only four months, and ₦235.1 million paid to allegedly unqualified contractors for sleeping mats and digital archiving.
SERAP insists that electoral resources are public resources and that INEC must demonstrate every naira was lawfully spent for its intended purpose. The group invoked constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, arguing that citizens have a right to know how public funds for elections are managed. It warned that failure to respond within seven days would trigger all appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest.
The demand places fresh pressure on INEC at a time when public confidence in electoral processes remains a sensitive issue. Whether the commission provides the requested accountability or faces court action will determine the next chapter in this high-stakes transparency battle.