SERAP Demands INEC Account for ₦126.46bn Election Funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to account for over ₦126.46 billion in public funds. This demand is based on findings from the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report, which indicated that these funds were allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged, or unaccounted for.

The letter, dated September 12, 2026, was signed by SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. The funds were allocated for various electoral operations, including the procurement of ballot boxes and electoral materials.

SERAP urged INEC to provide detailed expenditure reports and to refer any financial irregularities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation. Notably, the Auditor-General found that INEC had made irregular payments totaling ₦112.16 billion without competitive bidding, raising concerns about potential diversion of funds.