SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days To Account For Alleged ₦126bn Electoral Funds
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to explain the spending of more than ₦126.46bn in electoral funds flagged by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The funds included payments allegedly made without proper procurement procedures and for goods and services whose delivery could not be established.
SERAP also asked the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to refer the alleged financial irregularities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for investigation, prosecution and recovery of public funds where wrongdoing is established.
The organisation made the demands in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
SERAP based its demands on findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026, covering government transactions between January and December 2022 and, in some instances, extending to December 31, 2023.
The organisation said the affected funds covered the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive electoral materials, result sheets, vehicles and other services required for election administration.
It specifically demanded that INEC account for the amounts paid, beneficiaries of the payments, contracts and procurement processes involved, contractors and suppliers engaged, as well as evidence showing that the goods and services were delivered, used and remained accounted for.
“SERAP urged INEC to account for the over ₦126 billion, including the amounts paid, the beneficiaries of the payments, the contracts and procurement processes, the contractors and suppliers involved, and evidence of delivery, utilisation and the current status of the goods, services and electoral assets concerned,” the organisation said.
SERAP said the Auditor-General had raised concerns over more than ₦112.15bn allegedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices, items and materials without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement Certificate of No Objection.
According to the organisation, the Auditor-General reported that there was “no evidence that the items were procured” and that the contracts were awarded to companies whose competence, experience, capacity, addresses and factory locations were unknown.
