The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for ₦55.9 billion reportedly earmarked for election materials for the 2019 general elections.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, was filed last Friday before the Federal High Court, following allegations contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on 9 September 2025.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to explain the whereabouts of the funds allegedly meant for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials. The organisation, through its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, described the findings in the audit report as a “grave violation of public trust,” the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and international anti-corruption standards.
The group also asked the court to order INEC to disclose the names of contractors paid from the ₦55.9 billion, as well as details of their directors and shareholders, insisting that transparency and accountability are critical to guaranteeing credible elections.
SERAP warned that unresolved allegations of financial misconduct could undermine future elections, stressing that those responsible, including contractors allegedly involved, must be prosecuted and any misappropriated funds fully recovered.
According to the Auditor-General’s report cited by SERAP, INEC allegedly “irregularly paid” over ₦5.3 billion to a contractor for the supply of smart card readers without approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence that the items were supplied. Although INEC reportedly claimed the transaction fell under national security exemptions, the Auditor-General rejected the explanation as inconsistent with the Procurement Act.
The audit report further alleged that over ₦4.5 billion was paid to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without documentary evidence of supply, approvals, or proof of contractors’ eligibility, including tax and pension clearance certificates.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
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