The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to account for an alleged ₦126 billion in missing or unaccounted electoral funds.
​The court action, instituted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Sunday, October 18, 2026, follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum served on INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
​The suit stems from findings in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report published on August 7, 2026, which highlighted severe irregularities in electoral expenditures, including payments to unqualified firms and pre-award contract disbursements.
​In a statement issued on Sunday morning from its headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasized the legal obligation of public institutions to ensure transparency.
​”Public funds must be accounted for to maintain public confidence in democratic processes,” Oluwadare stated. “We are seeking an order of mandamus to compel INEC to publish full details of how these funds were spent.”
​SERAP further called for the publication of the names of contractors, suppliers, and consultants who allegedly received the funds irregularly, as well as any public officials who authorised or facilitated the transactions or benefited from them.
Key demands outlined by SERAP includes a full disclosure and Public release of document evidence showing how over ₦112 billion in irregular disbursements was utilised.
A contractor transparency with immediate publication of all contractors, beneficial owners, and consultants linked to pre-awarded contracts and unexecuted projects.
Prompt referral of all implicated officials and private entities to anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), for prosecution and fund recovery.
​The court is expected to fix a date for the hearing of the suit in the coming days.
