Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seven days to account for more than N126.46 billion in public funds it says were appropriated for electoral operations but allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise left unaccounted for.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated September 12, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The organisation said the allegations were contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on August 7, 2026.
According to SERAP, the funds relate to the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive materials and result sheets, vehicles, accreditation devices, audit and consultancy services, digital archiving and other goods and services required for elections.
It specifically requested information on the amounts paid, beneficiaries, contracts and procurement processes, contractors and suppliers involved, as well as evidence showing the delivery, utilisation and current status of the goods, services and electoral assets.
SERAP cited an Auditor-General’s finding that INEC “irregularly paid” N112.15 billion for ballot boxes, electoral devices, items and materials without competitive bidding or a Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Certificate of No Objection.
SERAP also cited an alleged payment of N1.05 billion for Toyota Prado TXL 2021 models without advertisement, competitive bidding, bid evaluation or a BPP Certificate of No Objection.
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Hope Ajayi 
Korede Abdullah