INEC faces legal heat over ‘missing’ N55.9bn 2019 election funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission over the alleged mismanagement of N55.9bn intended for the purchase of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.

The allegations, highlighted in the Auditor-General’s latest annual report published on 9 September 2025, accuse INEC of failing to properly account for funds disbursed to contractors, with several payments allegedly made without supporting documentation or proper approvals.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking a court order to compel INEC to disclose details of the missing funds, including the names of all contractors, their directors, and shareholders, as well as to recover the money.

According to SERAP, the commission’s failure to uphold transparency and accountability undermines Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections.

“INEC cannot ensure impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not satisfactorily addressed, perpetrators prosecuted, and proceeds of corruption recovered,” the organisation said.

The Auditor-General’s report raises serious concerns about multiple irregularities.

Over N5.3 billion was reportedly paid to a contractor for smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement or the Federal Executive Council and without evidence of delivery.

INEC claimed the procurement fell under national security, a justification the Auditor-General rejected. Payments exceeding N4.5bn to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets lacked documentation, including evidence of bid processes and contractor eligibility.

Additional questionable payments include N331m for various contracts, N41bn for printing of election materials without due process, and N297m for four Toyota Land Cruisers, far exceeding market prices.

The commission also reportedly failed to retire over N630m in cash advances to officers and neglected to deduct over N2.1bn in stamp duties from contractors.

SERAP’s legal team, led by Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, argues that the allegations represent a “grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, and international anti-corruption standards.”

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case.(Punch)