SERAP demands probe into alleged N126bn INEC funds diversion

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded a probe into the alleged diversion, loss and mismanagement of over N126.46 billion in Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) funds, giving the electoral body seven days to account for the public funds appropriated for electoral operations.

SERAP made the demand in a letter dated September 12, 2026, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and addressed to INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

SERAP said the allegations were contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026, covering expenditure between 2022 and 2023.

The organisation said the Auditor-General found that INEC “irregularly paid” N112.16 billion for ballot boxes, electoral devices, items and materials without competitive bidding or a BPP Certificate of No Objection.

It also cited N1.06 billion allegedly paid for Toyota Prado vehicles without due procurement procedures; N3. 14 billion paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before contracts were awarded and N9.25 billion for 22 contracts allegedly split to circumvent procurement procedures.

Other questioned payments included N129.38 million for financial audit services, N504.49 million for accreditation devices and N235.1 million to unqualified contractors for sleeping mats and digital archiving.

SERAP urged INEC to provide evidence of delivery, utilisation and the current status of the goods and assets, and refer the allegations to the EFCC and ICPC for investigation, prosecution and recovery.
“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.
SERAP warned that failure to act within seven days would lead to “all appropriate legal actions” in the public interest.