SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days to Account for N126.46bn in Electoral Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to account for more than N126.46 billion in public funds allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for.

SERAP made the demand in response to findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on Aug. 7, 2026. The organisation said the findings covered various periods between January and December 2022 and, in some cases, extended to Dec. 31, 2023.

The funds reportedly relate to the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive materials and result sheets, vehicles, accreditation devices, audit and consultancy services, digital archiving and other goods and services required for the conduct and administration of elections.

SERAP urged INEC to provide details of the amounts paid, payment beneficiaries, contracts and procurement processes, as well as the contractors, suppliers and consultants involved.

It also requested evidence of the delivery and utilisation of the goods and services, alongside the current status of the electoral assets concerned.

The organisation called on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to refer the alleged diversion, unlawful expenditure, procurement violations and other financial misconduct documented by the Auditor-General to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for investigation, prosecution and recovery.

SERAP further urged INEC to identify the public officials, contractors, companies, suppliers and consultants responsible for the alleged financial irregularities.

It called for all necessary steps to recover any funds found to have been unlawfully or irregularly paid, lost, diverted or spent on goods and services that were not supplied or properly utilised.

“Electoral resources are public resources. INEC must be able to account for every naira, demonstrate that it was lawfully spent and show that it served the purposes for which it was appropriated,” SERAP said.