The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission for alleged mismanagement of N55.9 billion meant for the purchase of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.
The accusations, detailed in the Auditor-General’s most recent annual report, which was published on September 9, 2025, accuse INEC of failing to properly account for cash distributed to contractors, with some payments reportedly made without supporting documentation or necessary consent.
SERAP filed suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a court order to compel INEC to provide information on the stolen cash, including the names of all contractors, their directors, and shareholders, as well as to recover the money.
According to SERAP, the commission’s failure to uphold transparency and accountability undermines Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections.
“INEC cannot ensure impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not satisfactorily addressed, perpetrators prosecuted, and proceeds of corruption recovered,” the organisation said.
The Auditor-General’s report contains major concerns about lots of irregularities.
Over N5.3 billion was purportedly paid to a contractor for smart card readers without prior clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement or the Federal Executive Council, as well as without proof of delivery.
INEC stated that the acquisition was under national security, which the Auditor-General denied. Payments of about N4.5 billion to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets lacked paperwork, including proof of bid processes and contractor eligibility.
Additional questionable payments include N331 million for various contracts, N41 billion for election materials printed without due process, and N297 million for four Toyota Land Cruisers that cost significantly more than the market price.
The commission also allegedly failed to repay over N630 million in cash advances to officers and failed to deduct over N2.1 billion in stamp taxes from contractors.
SERAP’s legal team, lead by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, claims that the allegations constitute a “grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, and international anti-corruption standards.”
The case’s hearing date has yet to be determined.
