The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to account for over ₦126.46 billion in public funds allegedly diverted, mismanaged, lost or otherwise unaccounted for.
SERAP said the funds were appropriated for electoral operations, including the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive materials, result sheets and other goods and services required for the conduct of elections.
The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Saturday, September 12, 2026,
its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday.
SERAP said its concerns were based on findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026.
According to the organisation, the audit report raised questions over several payments made
INEC, including more than ₦112 billion allegedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement Certificate of No Objection.
SERAP also cited an alleged payment of over ₦1 billion for Toyota Prado TXL 2021 vehicles without advertisement, competitive bidding, bid evaluation or the required BPP certificate.
It further alleged that over ₦3 billion was paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before the contracts were awarded, while another ₦9.24 billion was reportedly paid under 22 contracts for similar goods and services, which the Auditor-General said were split to circumvent procurement procedures.
The organisation also raised concerns over more than ₦129 million allegedly paid to 19 accounting firms for financial audit services without sufficient evidence of utilisation or requests for the expenditure.
SERAP urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and the commission to provide detailed information on the payments, beneficiaries, contracts, procurement processes, contractors and suppliers involved, as well as evidence that the goods and services were delivered and properly utilised.
It also called on INEC to refer the alleged financial irregularities and procurement violations 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 demanded that the electoral body identify any public officials, contractors, companies, suppliers or consultants responsible for the alleged irregularities and take steps to recover any funds found to have been unlawfully or irregularly paid.
The organisation warned that electoral equipment and other public assets mentioned in the audit findings should not be disposed of, transferred, destroyed or written off pending the completion of reconciliation and any resulting investigations.
SERAP said it expected INEC to act on the recommendations within seven days, adding that it would consider legal action if the commission failed to comply with its demands.
The organisation stressed that electoral funds are public resources and that INEC must be able to account for every naira spent on the administration of Nigeria’s electoral system.
