SERAP SUES INEC OVER FAILURE TO ACCOUNT FOR OVER ₦126 BILLION IN MISSING ELECTORAL FUNDS

Rights group files suit at Federal High Court following Auditor-General’s report flagging alleged financial irregularities, unexecuted contracts, and procurement breaches

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to account for more than ₦126.46 billion in electoral funds allegedly mismanaged, diverted, or unaccounted for.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks an order of mandamus to compel INEC to disclose detailed financial accounts, disbursement reports, payment records, and identity details of contractors involved in electoral procurements.

The legal action follows findings highlighted in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which raised grave concerns over unexecuted contracts, payments to unqualified firms, missing logistics assets, and unverified procurements conducted prior to and during recent general election cycles.

SERAP contends that the public has a constitutional right to know how public resources allocated for democratic processes are spent, emphasizing that unaccounted funds undermine institutional integrity and voter confidence ahead of future general elections.

The civil rights organization further urged the court to issue a restraining order prohibiting the disposal, transfer, or destruction of any electoral equipment, assets, or procurement documentation connected to the audited funds pending the final determination of the suit.