SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days to Explain Alleged ₦126.46bn Electoral Funds

ABUJA — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding a full public account of ₦126.46 billion in electoral funds flagged by the Auditor-General of the Federation over alleged procurement and financial irregularities.

In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SERAP urged the electoral commission to disclose how the funds were spent, identify the beneficiaries of the payments, publish the contracts and procurement processes involved, and provide evidence that the goods and services were delivered, utilized and remain properly accounted for.

The rights group also called on INEC to refer the alleged irregularities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation, prosecution and the recovery of public funds wherever wrongdoing is established. The demands were contained in a statement signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

SERAP said its ultimatum is based on findings contained in the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report, published on August 7, 2026, which examined federal government transactions primarily between January and December 2022, with some entries extending to December 31, 2023. According to the organization, the audit identified substantial payments allegedly made without compliance with Nigeria’s public procurement laws.

Among the most significant concerns is the alleged payment of more than ₦112.15 billion for ballot boxes, electoral devices, sensitive election materials and related items without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement Certificate of No Objection. SERAP said the Auditor-General further reported that there was no evidence the items were actually procured, while some contracts were allegedly awarded to companies whose competence, capacity, addresses and factory locations could not be verified.

The organization said the questioned expenditure extends beyond ballot materials to include result sheets, vehicles and other services required for election administration. It insisted that INEC must publish the names of contractors and suppliers involved, alongside documentary proof showing that the assets were delivered and remain in official custody.

While the allegations stem from an official audit, SERAP stressed that they do not in themselves establish criminal liability. Instead, it argued that transparency and independent investigation are necessary to determine whether public funds were mismanaged and to restore confidence in the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC had not publicly responded to the ultimatum at the time of reporting. The commission has previously maintained that its financial operations are subject to statutory audit and oversight, but it has yet to comment specifically on the Auditor-General’s findings cited by SERAP.

The dispute places renewed focus on accountability within Nigeria’s electoral institutions at a critical political moment. As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 polls, the credibility of elections will depend not only on transparent voting processes but also on public confidence that the billions allocated for electoral administration are spent lawfully and can withstand independent scrutiny.