The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking answers over more than ₦126.46 billion allocated for electoral operations.
The organisation wants the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the electoral commission to disclose how the funds were spent and provide supporting financial records.
SERAP said the allegations stem from findings in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report, published in August 2026.
The reported findings relate mainly to transactions from 2022, with some extending to December 2023.
The lawsuit comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, placing renewed attention on the management of public funds intended to support the electoral process.
Why SERAP Took INEC to Court
SERAP said the funds were allocated for electoral operations, including the procurement of ballot boxes, election materials, result sheets, vehicles and voter accreditation devices.
The organisation is asking the court to compel INEC to provide a detailed account of the money.
It also wants the commission to disclose how much was released and paid, identify the contractors and beneficiaries, and provide information about the companies that received the contracts.
The suit is numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026 and was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, according to reports published on October 18.
No hearing date had been announced in the reports reviewed.
The case is a request for judicial intervention and financial disclosure. The allegations have not been established by a final court ruling.
What the Auditor-General’s Report Allegedly Found
According to SERAP’s account of the audit findings, more than ₦112.15 billion was allegedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials without competitive bidding or the required procurement clearance.
The organisation said the audit report questioned whether the relevant items had been supplied and raised concerns about the possibility of financial losses.
SERAP also cited alleged payments involving vehicles, election materials, consultancy services and accreditation devices.
Among the transactions it highlighted were:
- More than ₦1.05 billion allegedly paid for Toyota Prado vehicles without the required procurement procedures.
- More than ₦3.13 billion allegedly paid to contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before the contracts were awarded.
- More than ₦9.24 billion reportedly paid across 22 contracts for similar goods and services, which SERAP said may have been split to bypass procurement rules.
- More than ₦504 million allegedly paid for accreditation devices without due procurement procedures.
These figures form part of the allegations cited in the lawsuit. They should not be interpreted as proof that the entire ₦126.46 billion was stolen or that any individual has been found guilty of wrongdoing.
What SERAP Wants INEC to Disclose
SERAP is seeking an order compelling INEC to publish a detailed financial and documentary account of the funds.
The organisation wants the commission to identify the contractors, suppliers, consultants and other beneficiaries involved in the transactions.
It is also asking for information about officials who authorised or processed the payments, where applicable.
In addition, SERAP wants INEC to provide evidence that the electoral materials covered by the audit findings were procured and to explain their current location and status.
The organisation has also asked the court to prevent the disposal or destruction of relevant equipment and records in a way that could undermine accountability.
The court will determine whether the reliefs sought should be granted.
Why the Case Matters Ahead of the 2027 Elections
INEC is responsible for organising and supervising elections in Nigeria.
The commission’s ability to manage election funds transparently is important to public confidence in the electoral process.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, scrutiny of past spending could intensify calls for stronger financial controls, transparent procurement and better documentation of election-related purchases.
The case also raises questions about how audit findings are followed up and whether public institutions respond adequately to concerns about the use of public funds.
However, the allegations must be assessed through the appropriate legal and accountability processes. Filing a lawsuit does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing.
What Happens Next?
The Federal High Court will consider the case in accordance with its procedures.
If the court grants SERAP’s request, INEC could be required to disclose further information about the expenditure and procurement transactions covered by the suit.
Any subsequent findings, responses from INEC or court orders will be important to understanding the status of the allegations.
For now, SERAP is asking for transparency and documentary evidence, while the commission’s response and the court’s eventual decision remain key developments to watch.
WeGoTalk.com.ng will continue to follow the lawsuit and report verified developments concerning INEC, electoral spending and accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.
