SERAP gives INEC seven days to account for N126.46bn in Electoral funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to account for over N126.46 billion in public funds, which it said were appropriated for electoral operations but allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for. The organisation made the demand in a letter dated September 12, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

SERAP said the funds relate to 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. According to SERAP, the allegations are contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026. The findings, it said, covered various periods between January and December 2022 and, in some cases, extended to December 31, 2023.

SERAP urged INEC and its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to provide details of the expenditure, including the amounts paid, beneficiaries, contracts and procurement processes, contractors and suppliers involved, as well as evidence showing the delivery, utilisation and current status of the goods, services and electoral assets. The organisation also called on INEC to refer the alleged financial misconduct documented by the Auditor-General to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation, prosecution and recovery where necessary.

SERAP further urged the commission to identify public officials, contractors, companies, suppliers and consultants responsible for the transactions and take steps to recover any funds found to have been unlawfully or irregularly paid, lost, diverted or paid for goods and services that were not supplied or properly utilised. “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 said.