Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja over concerns surrounding the management of ₦126.46 billion in electoral funds by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The suit seeks to compel INEC to make public the details of its expenditure, including contracts awarded, payments made to suppliers and evidence that electoral materials and other services paid for were actually delivered.
SERAP’s legal action followed findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, released on August 7, 2026. The report reportedly questioned several transactions involving funds allocated for electoral activities in 2022 and 2023.
Among the expenditures flagged was over ₦112 billion allegedly spent on ballot boxes, electoral equipment and other materials without the required competitive procurement process and approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement. The audit reportedly indicated that adequate documentation confirming the purchase of the items was unavailable and recommended that the money be recovered.
Other transactions identified in the audit included ₦1.06 billion for Toyota Prado vehicles, ₦3.14 billion for ballot guides and sensitive election materials, as well as ₦9.25 billion paid under 22 contracts for related supplies and services. Questions were also raised over payments involving accreditation equipment, financial auditing and digital archiving.
SERAP is asking the court to direct the electoral body to release relevant financial and procurement documents, identify the beneficiaries of the contracts and provide evidence of the delivery and present location of the items purchased. It also wants steps taken to safeguard relevant assets and records to ensure that any investigation into the flagged transactions is not frustrated.
The organisation argued that accountability in the handling of electoral funds is essential to public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. With the 2027 general elections approaching, SERAP maintains that Nigerians deserve clear answers about how money earmarked for the country’s electoral process was utilised.
