SERAP Sues INEC Over ‘Missing’ N55.9bn
The Social and Economic Rights Advocacy Project, SERAP, has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, asking it to account for the N55.9 billion meant for the purchase of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.
In a statement, SERAP said “We’ve sued INEC Nigeria over the failure to account for the missing or diverted N55.9billion meant for the purchase of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.
“The grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on 9 September, 2025.”
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 filed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC Nigeria to account for the ₦55.9 billion
“We are also seeking an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to disclose the names of all contractors paid the ₦55.9 billion for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections, including the names of their directors and shareholders.
“INEC Nigeria must operate without corruption if the commission is to ensure free and fair elections in the country and uphold Nigerians’ right to participation.
“INEC cannot ensure impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not satisfactorily addressed, perpetrators including the contractors involved are not prosecuted and the proceeds of corruption are not fully recovered.
“INEC cannot properly carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities to conduct free and fair elections in the country if it continues to fail to uphold the basic principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“These allegations also constitute abuse of public office and show the urgent need by INEC to commit to transparency, accountability, clean governance and the rule of law.”
