Arewa Group Defends INEC Against SERAP's Allegations

The Arewa Think Tank, represented by convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, issued a statement in Kaduna defending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against allegations made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). SERAP's letter, dated September 12, 2026, demanded accountability for over N126.46 billion in electoral funds allegedly mismanaged or unaccounted for, as highlighted in the 2023 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.

Yakubu cautioned against prematurely linking these allegations to the current INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, emphasizing that audit findings do not equate to proven personal wrongdoing. He noted that the expenditures in question primarily occurred between January and December 2022 and some extending to December 2023.

Yakubu argued that it is essential to identify the officials responsible for the transactions before making any accusations against Amupitan, asserting that he should not be scapegoated for historical transactions within INEC.