By Nworisa Michael
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to properly account for ₦55.9 billion earmarked for materials used during the 2019 general elections.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follows revelations contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s report published on September 9, 2025. The report raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities involving funds meant for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials.
In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to explain how the ₦55.9 billion was spent and to disclose the identities of contractors paid for the election materials, including details of their directors and shareholders.
SERAP argued that INEC’s credibility and ability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections depend on strict adherence to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The organisation warned that unresolved allegations of corruption could undermine public trust in future elections.
According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report revealed that INEC allegedly made several payments without proper documentation or due process. One such case involved over ₦5.3 billion reportedly paid to a contractor for the supply of smart card readers without evidence of delivery or approval from relevant procurement authorities.
The report also alleged that more than ₦4.5 billion was paid to contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without documentation showing advertisement, bidding, evaluation, or proof of supply. In addition, concerns were raised over the payment of ₦331 million under questionable circumstances, including instances where contractors were allegedly paid before contracts were formally awarded.
Further findings reportedly showed that INEC failed to deduct and remit over ₦2.1 billion in stamp duties between 2018 and 2019, as well as over ₦630 million in unretired cash advances granted to some officials of the commission.
The Auditor-General also questioned contracts worth over ₦41 billion for the printing of election materials, allegedly awarded without due process and to companies lacking relevant experience. Another allegation involved the purchase of four Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles for over ₦297 million, with unit prices reportedly far above prevailing market rates at the time.
SERAP maintained that these allegations amount to a serious breach of public trust and called for the recovery of any diverted funds and the prosecution of those found culpable.
As of the time of filing this report, no hearing date has been fixed for the case.