Morganable Politics/elections
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to disclose comprehensive information on the expenditure, utilisation and disbursement of the funds, including payments made to contractors and beneficiaries.
KaNo—
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over its alleged failure to account for more than N126.46 billion appropriated for electoral operations.
The organisation alleged that the funds, earmarked for the procurement of electoral materials, equipment, vehicles and other services, were diverted, mismanaged, lost or remained unaccounted for.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP disclosed that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026, was filed last week following findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The report, published on August 7, 2026, identified alleged financial and procurement irregularities covering January to December 2022, with some transactions extending to December 31, 2023.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to disclose comprehensive information on the expenditure, utilisation and disbursement of the funds, including payments made to contractors and beneficiaries.
The organisation also wants the electoral body to provide documentary evidence of the procurement and whereabouts of election materials allegedly purchased with the funds.
According to the suit filed by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, the requested disclosures include contract details, amounts released, payment beneficiaries and the identities of contractors and their beneficial owners.
SERAP argued that transparency in the management of electoral funds was necessary to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It maintained that public resources allocated to electoral operations must be properly accounted for to ensure that they serve their intended purposes.
The organisation stated, “Electoral resources are public resources. INEC must be able to account for every naira, demonstrate that it was lawfully spent and show that it served the purposes for which it was appropriated.”
SERAP expressed concern that the alleged financial irregularities involved an institution constitutionally responsible for organising and conducting elections in Nigeria.
It argued that failure to provide satisfactory explanations for the expenditure could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
Among the allegations highlighted in the suit was the reported irregular payment of N112.15 billion for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other election materials without competitive bidding or a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
According to SERAP, the Auditor-General found no evidence that the items were procured, while the contracts were allegedly awarded to companies whose competence, experience, capacity and operational addresses were unknown.
The organisation said the Auditor-General raised concerns that the money might have been diverted and recommended its recovery.
In another finding, SERAP alleged that INEC paid N1.05 billion for Toyota Prado TXL 2021 vehicles without advertisement, competitive bidding, bid evaluation or the required procurement approval.
The Auditor-General reportedly expressed concern that the contracts might have been inflated and the funds lost.
The suit further identified payments totalling N3.13 billion to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive election materials and result sheets.
SERAP alleged that the payments were made before the contracts were formally awarded, raising questions about compliance with established procurement procedures.
It said the Auditor-General recommended the recovery of the funds and their remittance to the government treasury.
The organisation also accused INEC of splitting 22 contracts worth N9.24 billion for similar goods and services to circumvent procurement requirements.
According to the suit, the contracts were awarded on the same day, prompting concerns that payments might have been made for items that were never supplied.
SERAP further cited N129.37 million allegedly paid to 19 accounting firms for financial audit services without sufficient documentation showing how the funds were utilised.
It said the Auditor-General questioned the payments and recommended that the money be recovered.
Another allegation concerned N504.49 million paid for accreditation devices without compliance with the required procurement process.
The audit findings reportedly indicated that the Advance Payment Guarantee had expired before the delivery of a security licence key, while the accompanying software remained valid for only four months.
SERAP argued that the circumstances raised serious questions about value for money and the effectiveness of the procurement process.
The organisation also highlighted N235.1 million allegedly paid to contractors considered unqualified to provide sleeping mats and digital archiving services.
According to the suit, the Auditor-General questioned the eligibility and capacity of the contractors and expressed concern that the funds might have been lost.
Beyond financial disclosures, SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to provide physical and documentary evidence confirming that the electoral materials covered by the disputed payments were actually supplied.
It specifically wants the commission to account for the present location, condition and status of materials allegedly procured through the N112 billion expenditure.
SERAP maintained that Nigerians were entitled to information about how public institutions manage funds allocated to them.
The organisation also requested an order preventing INEC from disposing of, transferring, destroying or writing off electoral equipment and other assets identified in the audit findings.
It argued that preserving the assets was necessary to prevent actions that could obstruct investigations or frustrate efforts to establish accountability.
SERAP further contended that the alleged irregularities raised constitutional and legal concerns, including possible violations of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The organisation stressed that accountability in electoral spending was particularly important as preparations for the 2027 general elections gathered momentum.
It maintained that citizens must be assured that resources intended to support credible elections were managed transparently and used for their designated purposes.
The allegations remain findings and concerns raised in the audit report and cited by SERAP, rather than judicially established wrongdoing.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
