SUN OCT 18 2026-theGBJournal| The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed lawsuit against Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC, seeking a detailed account of more than ₦126.46 billion appropriated for electoral operations, following allegations that the funds were diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for.
The suit, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disclose details of the expenditure, including payments made, beneficiaries, contractors and their beneficial owners.
The allegations are contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on Aug. 7, 2026, according to the lawsuit’s sponsors, SERAP.
The reported irregularities cover spending between January and December 2022 and, in some cases, extend to Dec. 31, 2023.
The funds were appropriated for the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and materials, sensitive materials, result sheets, vehicles and accreditation devices, as well as audit and consultancy services, digital archiving and other goods and services required for elections.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026, the plaintiffs are seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to provide a full financial and documentary account of the funds, including the amounts released and paid and the identities of payment beneficiaries and contractors.
The lawsuit raises questions about the management of public funds allocated to Nigeria’s electoral system as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The plaintiffs said transparency in electoral spending was essential to public confidence in the electoral process and called on INEC to demonstrate that the funds were lawfully spent and used for their intended purposes.
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