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By John Ogunsemore
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) said it has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its “failure to account for the missing or diverted 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 issued on Sunday, SERAP said the grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on September 9, 2025.
According to the group, the suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 was filed last 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 missing or diverted ₦55.9 billion meant to buy smart card readers, ballot papers, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.
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It is 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.
The statement reads, “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.”
SERAP said these allegations constitute abuse of public office and show the urgent need by INEC to commit to transparency, accountability, clean governance and the rule of law.
