Rights Group Demands Spending Details, Recovery and Probe of Alleged Financial Irregularities
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to account for more than ₦126.46 billion allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for in electoral spending. SERAP emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in this matter.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated September 12, 2026. It was signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The organization said the funds relate to procuring ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive materials and result sheets, vehicles, accreditation devices, audit and consultancy services, digital archiving, and other election-related goods and services.
SERAP said the allegations were contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026. The report covers transactions mainly between January and December 2022, with some extending to December 31, 2023.
It urged INEC and its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to provide details of the transactions, including payments made, beneficiaries, contracts, procurement processes, contractors and suppliers, as well as evidence of delivery and the current status of the assets and services.
The group asked INEC to refer the alleged financial misconduct to the EFCC. Moreover, they asked the EFCC and ICPC to handle investigation, prosecution and recovery where necessary. SERAP echoed the call.
Among the transactions cited was an alleged ₦112.15 billion irregular payment for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials.
The payment was made without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement Certificate of No Objection.
SERAP said the Auditor-General reportedly found no evidence the items were procured. It raised concerns about contracts awarded to companies whose competence, experience, capacity, addresses and factory locations were unknown.
Other transactions highlighted included ₦1.05 billion for Toyota Prado TXL 2021 vehicles. More than ₦3.13 billion allegedly paid to four contractors before contracts were awarded, and ₦9.24 billion in 22 contracts allegedly split to circumvent procurement procedures.
SERAP also cited ₦129.37 million paid to 19 accounting firms, ₦504.49 million for accreditation devices and ₦235.1 million for sleeping mats and digital archiving.
SERAP also cited ₦129.37 million paid to 19 accounting firms. ₦504.49 million was for accreditation devices and ₦235.1 million for sleeping mats and digital archiving.
The organization demanded documentary and physical evidence showing that the funds were properly spent. It also called for the recovery and remittance of any money found to have been unlawfully or irregularly received or expended.
SERAP warned that it would pursue legal action if INEC failed to comply within seven days. It urged the commission to preserve all electoral equipment and public assets linked to the audit findings pending reconciliation and investigation.
The organization said accountability for electoral funds was necessary to ensure transparency. It also helps ensure compliance with Nigeria’s constitutional, anti-corruption and international obligations.