The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to account for more than ₦126.46 billion in public funds allegedly diverted, mismanaged, lost or otherwise unaccounted for in connection with electoral operations.
SERAP made the demand following findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026.
According to the organisation, the audit findings relate to expenditures incurred between January and December 2022, with some matters extending to December 31, 2023.
The funds in question were reportedly appropriated for the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive election materials and result sheets, vehicles, accreditation devices, audit and consultancy services, digital archiving, as well as other goods and services required for the conduct and administration of elections.
In a statement, SERAP urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and the commission to provide a comprehensive account of the more than ₦126 billion, including details of amounts paid, beneficiaries of payments, contracts awarded, procurement procedures followed, contractors and suppliers engaged, and evidence showing delivery, utilisation and the current status of the goods, services and electoral assets involved.
The organisation also called on Amupitan and INEC to refer the alleged diversion of funds, unlawful expenditure, procurement violations and other financial misconduct identified in the Auditor-General’s report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
SERAP said the agencies should investigate the allegations, prosecute anyone found culpable and recover any public funds determined to have been unlawfully or irregularly expended.
It further urged INEC to identify the public officials, contractors, companies, suppliers and consultants responsible for the alleged financial infractions and take immediate steps to recover funds paid for goods and services that were not supplied, properly utilised or otherwise accounted for.
SERAP stressed that electoral funds are public resources and must therefore be subject to transparency and accountability.
“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,” the organisation said.
The group warned that accountability for electoral spending was particularly important given the strategic role of INEC in Nigeria’s democratic process and the need to ensure that public resources allocated for elections are used strictly for their intended purposes.
