The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for ₦55.9 billion earmarked for election materials used during the 2019 general elections.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja following revelations contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s report published on September 9, 2025.
The report alleged widespread financial irregularities in the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials.
SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to explain how the ₦55.9 billion was spent and to disclose the identities of all contractors paid for the election materials, including the names of their directors and shareholders.
According to SERAP, the allegations point to grave violations of public trust, transparency and accountability, arguing that INEC cannot credibly conduct free and fair elections if such issues remain unresolved.
The organisation also wants all those allegedly involved prosecuted and any diverted funds fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.
The Auditor-General’s report accused INEC of irregular payments, including over ₦5.3 billion allegedly paid to a contractor for smart card readers without proper documentation or approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council. Similar irregularities were cited in payments for ballot papers, result sheets, vehicle procurement, generators, and unretired cash advances.
SERAP warned that unresolved corruption allegations within INEC undermine Nigerians’ constitutional right to participate in credible elections and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
