SERAP gives INEC 7 days to explain N126.46bn election funds or face legal action
SERAP gave INEC seven days from September 12, 2026 to account for over N126.46 billion in election funds allegedly diverted or mismanaged, based on the Auditor-General's 2023 report published August 7, 2026 covering 2022-2023 expenditures. The funds covered ballot boxes, electoral devices, vehicles like Toyota Prado TXLs, and consultancy services.
Specific allegations include N112.15 billion paid without competitive bidding for ballot boxes and electoral materials, N1.05 billion for Toyota Prado TXL 2021 models without proper procurement, and N3.13 billion paid to contractors before contracts were awarded. SERAP demands details of expenditure, beneficiaries, contracts, and evidence of delivery, plus referral of findings to EFCC and ICPC for investigation and fund recovery.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan must respond by September 19, 2026 or face legal action from SERAP to compel transparency. The organization insists Nigerians have a right to know how public funds are spent and calls for recovery of any unlawfully expended money from these electoral operations.
Does this level of unaccounted election spending affect your confidence in Nigeria's electoral process, and what oversight mechanisms should citizens demand to ensure INEC spends public money responsibly?