SERAP sues INEC over ₦55.9bn 2019 election funds

BY admin
January 11, 2026
0 Comments
6 Views

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the alleged failure to account for N55.9 billion intended for the 2019 general elections. Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026) follows findings from the Auditor-General of the Federation’s reports for 2022 and 2025.

These reports highlighted significant financial discrepancies, including missing funds and procurement irregularities that SERAP argues undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

The legal action details several specific financial mismanagement claims, most notably the irregular payment of over N5.3 billion to a contractor for smart card readers without necessary approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Additionally, the AGF report flagged N4.5 billion paid for ballot papers and result sheets that lacked any documented evidence of delivery. There were also concerns regarding N630 million in unretired cash advances given to INEC officers and a failure to remit over N2.1 billion in stamp duties to the federal government.

SERAP also highlighted instances of inflated costs, specifically pointing to the purchase of four Toyota Land Cruisers for over N297 million, which significantly exceeded market rates at the time. While INEC previously defended its actions by claiming that election materials fell under “national security” exemptions, the Auditor-General dismissed this reasoning as legally invalid. SERAP contends that this lack of transparency fosters a culture of impunity and denies Nigerians their right to know how public resources are utilized.

In its prayers to the court, SERAP is seeking an order to compel INEC to account for the missing N55.9 billion and to publish the names, directors, and shareholders of all contractors involved.

The organization is also demanding the recovery of any diverted funds to be remitted back to the public treasury. As of the report, a hearing date for the case has not yet been scheduled, but the lawsuit marks a significant step in seeking accountability for election-related expenditures.