INEC dragged to court over ‘missing’ ₦55.9bn 2019 election funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the alleged mismanagement of ₦55.9 billion earmarked for election materials during the 2019 general elections.

The suit follows revelations in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025, which accused INEC of failing to properly account for funds released for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election-related materials.

Filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, SERAP is asking the court to compel INEC to fully disclose details surrounding the funds, including the identities of all contractors involved, their directors and shareholders, as well as to recover the allegedly missing public funds.

SERAP argued that the commission’s alleged failure to ensure transparency and accountability threatens Nigerians’ right to credible and fair elections.

“INEC cannot credibly guarantee impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not thoroughly addressed, those responsible prosecuted, and the stolen funds recovered,” the organisation stated.

The Auditor-General’s report detailed several alleged financial irregularities. It claimed that over ₦5.3 billion was paid to a contractor for the supply of smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence that the items were delivered. INEC reportedly justified the procurement on national security grounds, a claim the Auditor-General rejected.

The report also alleged that payments exceeding ₦4.5 billion were made to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without supporting documents, including evidence of competitive bidding or verification of contractors’ qualifications.

Other disputed expenditures highlighted in the report include ₦331 million paid for various contracts, ₦41 billion for the printing of election materials allegedly without due process, and ₦297 million spent on four Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles at prices said to be far above market value.

In addition, INEC was accused of failing to retire more than ₦630 million in cash advances given to staff and of neglecting to deduct over ₦2.1 billion in stamp duties from contractors, as required by law.

SERAP’s legal team, led by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, described the allegations as a serious breach of public trust, the Constitution, and Nigeria’s international anti-corruption obligations.

No hearing date has been fixed for the case.