SERAP takes INEC to Federal High Court over alleged N126bn electoral fund mismanagement

Background The Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has lodged a case against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal High Court in Abuja. The filing, recorded under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2507/2026, alleges that INEC has not provided a full accounting for over N126.46 billion earmarked for electoral activities.

Alleged financial gaps According to SERAP, the sum in question was intended to finance a range of election‑related items, including ballot boxes, electronic voting devices, result sheets, vehicles, accreditation equipment, as well as audit and consultancy services. The organisation points to the 2023 audited report of the Auditor‑General of the Federation, released on 7 August 2026, which documents transactions from January to December 2022 and, in some instances, extending to the end of 2023. The report, SERAP says, highlights that the funds were either diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for.

Legal remedy sought SERAP’s legal team, led by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare and lawyers Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, is requesting a mandamus order compelling INEC to disclose detailed information on how the money was disbursed. The requested disclosures include the amounts released, the beneficiaries of payments, the identities of contractors involved and the beneficial owners of those contracts. The organisation argues that electoral resources constitute public assets and that INEC must demonstrate lawful and transparent use of every naira allocated for the electoral process.

Court proceedings The suit was filed in early October 2026, but the court has not yet scheduled a hearing date. SERAP’s statement emphasizes that the lack of a clear financial and documentary account raises concerns about the management of public funds tied to Nigeria’s constitutional electoral framework.

Wider context While the case is pending, the allegations add to ongoing scrutiny of public expenditure in Nigeria’s election administration. The auditor‑general’s report, which forms the basis of SERAP’s claim, is the latest official document to flag potential irregularities in the handling of election‑related budgets.

Outlook If the court grants the mandamus order, INEC would be required to produce a comprehensive financial breakdown, potentially prompting further investigations or reforms. Until a hearing takes place, the matter remains unresolved, with SERAP urging transparency and accountability from the electoral commission.