The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded a full investigation into more than N126.46 billion allegedly mismanaged, diverted or otherwise unaccounted for by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
SERAP, in a letter dated September 12, 2026, gave INEC seven days to account for the funds, which it said were appropriated for electoral operations and procurement.
The organisation based its demand on findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026.
According to SERAP, the audit raised concerns over several transactions involving the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices, sensitive materials, vehicles, accreditation equipment, consultancy services and digital archiving.
SERAP said the largest issue involved N112.15 billion allegedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other electoral materials without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement Certificate of No Objection.
It alleged that the Auditor-General found no evidence that some of the items were actually procured, while questions were also raised about the competence, addresses and capacity of companies awarded the contracts.
The organisation also pointed to N1.05 billion allegedly spent on Toyota Prado TXL 2021 vehicles without the required procurement procedures, as well as more than N3.13 billion allegedly paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before the contracts were awarded.
Another N9.24 billion was reportedly linked to 22 contracts involving similar goods and services, which SERAP alleged were split to circumvent procurement rules.
The group further cited payments of N129.37 million to 19 accounting firms, N504.49 million for accreditation devices and N235.1 million for sleeping mats and digital archiving.
SERAP urged INEC to publish details of the transactions, including beneficiaries, contracts, procurement processes, contractors and suppliers, as well as evidence that the goods and services were delivered and utilised.
It also called on INEC to refer the matters to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and possible prosecution.
The organisation demanded that any funds found to have been unlawfully paid or diverted be recovered and remitted to the treasury.
SERAP further warned INEC against disposing of, transferring, destroying or writing off any electoral equipment or public assets connected to the audit findings pending reconciliation and investigation.
It said failure by INEC to respond within seven days would trigger legal action to compel compliance.
“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.
The organisation stressed that its demands were aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds ahead of Nigeria’s electoral activities.
