Hussaini Ibrahim 
Abuja, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) files a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for ₦55.9 billion allocated for election materials during Nigeria’s 2019 general elections.
SERAP discloses the suit in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, saying the funds were meant for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other critical electoral materials.
The civil society group relies on findings contained in the latest Auditor-General of the Federation’s annual report, published on 9 September 2025, which raises multiple procurement and financial accountability concerns within INEC.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, the suit seeks an order of mandamus compelling INEC to provide a detailed account of the allegedly missing or diverted funds.
SERAP also asks the court to order INEC to disclose the names of contractors, as well as the directors and shareholders of companies paid for election materials in 2019.
According to the Auditor-General’s report, INEC allegedly paid ₦5.3 billion for smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence of supply.
INEC reportedly claims the procurement falls under a national security exemption, a justification the Auditor-General rejects as inconsistent with the Public Procurement Act.
The report further queries payments exceeding ₦4.5 billion to contractors for ballot papers and result sheets, alongside unretired cash advances, unpaid stamp duties and inflated vehicle procurement costs.
“INEC must operate transparently to protect Nigerians’ constitutional right to free and credible elections,” SERAP states.
INEC has yet to respond publicly, and the court is yet to fix a hearing date.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom