The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking answers over more than ₦126.46 billion allegedly lost, mismanaged or spent without adequate accountability.
The lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the organisation raised concerns over findings contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report, published on August 7, 2026.
In the case, SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to disclose detailed information on how the money was released, spent and distributed, including the identities of contractors and other beneficiaries who received payments.
The funds were allocated for electoral operations, including the procurement of ballot boxes, election equipment, result sheets, vehicles, accreditation devices and other materials required to conduct elections.
According to SERAP, the suit, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026, seeks a complete financial and documentary account of the expenditure. The organisation also wants evidence showing whether the goods and services paid for were actually delivered.
Auditor-General Raises Questions Over Billions
SERAP cited several transactions flagged in the Auditor-General’s report, including more than ₦112.15 billion reportedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or the required procurement clearance.
According to the organisation, the audit report stated that there was no evidence confirming that the items had been procured and raised concerns about the companies awarded the contracts.
The lawsuit also highlights an alleged payment of more than ₦1.05 billion for Toyota Prado vehicles, with questions raised about the procurement process and possible contract inflation.
Other transactions cited include more than ₦3.13 billion paid to contractors for ballot guides, sensitive election materials and result sheets, as well as over ₦9.24 billion involving 22 contracts for similar goods and services.
The allegations have not, by themselves, established that the money was stolen or that any individual committed a crime. SERAP is asking the court to compel the electoral commission to provide information and account for the transactions.
SERAP Seeks Names of Contractors and Officials
The organisation is also seeking the disclosure of contractors, suppliers, consultants and officials involved in the transactions, alongside information about the ownership of companies that received the funds.
It wants INEC to preserve relevant electoral equipment and other public assets while the concerns raised in the audit report are addressed.
SERAP further argued that any money found to have been unlawfully or irregularly paid should be recovered and returned to the public treasury.
The organisation said transparency in electoral spending was particularly important with Nigeria preparing for the 2027 General Election.
It maintained that citizens have a right to know how public funds intended to support elections have been used and whether the resources delivered the intended results.
As of Sunday, October 18, 2026, the court had not announced a hearing date for the case.
The lawsuit now places the disputed expenditure before the judiciary, with SERAP seeking an order requiring INEC to provide a detailed account of the funds.
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