SERAP Sues INEC Over Alleged N55.9bn Misuse of 2019 Election Funds

SERAP has sued INEC over alleged N55.9bn misuse of 2019 Election Funds.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing fresh legal scrutiny following a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) over the alleged disappearance and mismanagement of N55.9 billion earmarked for the 2019 general elections.

 

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 and filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, stems from findings contained in the Auditor-General’s 2025 annual report released on September 9. The report accused INEC of failing to properly account for large sums paid to contractors for the supply of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials.

 

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SERAP is asking the court to order INEC to provide full details of how the funds were spent, including the identities of all contractors involved, their directors and shareholders, and to ensure the recovery of any money found to have been misappropriated.

 

According to the organisation, the alleged financial irregularities threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and undermine citizens’ right to free, fair and transparent elections.

 

“INEC cannot be trusted to impartially conduct future elections unless these allegations are thoroughly investigated, those responsible are prosecuted, and all stolen public funds are recovered,” SERAP said.

 

The Auditor-General’s report cited multiple breaches of procurement and financial regulations. It noted that over N5.3 billion was paid to a contractor for smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence that the equipment was delivered. INEC’s claim that the contract fell under national security was rejected by the Auditor-General.

 

The report also flagged payments exceeding N4.5 billion to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without proper documentation, including evidence of competitive bidding or contractor eligibility. Other disputed payments include N331 million for various contracts, N41 billion for printing election materials without due process, and N297 million for four Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles allegedly purchased at inflated prices.

 

In addition, INEC was accused of failing to account for more than N630 million in cash advances to its officers and of not deducting over N2.1 billion in statutory stamp duties from contractor payments.

 

SERAP’s legal team, led by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, described the alleged infractions as a serious breach of public trust, Nigeria’s Constitution and international anti-corruption standards.

No hearing date has yet been fixed for the case.