INEC ordered to account for ₦126bn in allegedly diverted electoral funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to account for over ₦126.46 billion in public funds. The organization alleges these funds, intended for electoral operations, were diverted, lost, mismanaged, or otherwise unaccounted for.

The disputed funds cover various electoral needs, including the procurement of ballot boxes, accreditation devices, vehicles, sensitive materials, result sheets, and digital archiving services. These findings are based on the 2023 audited report from the Auditor-General of the Federation, which covered periods between January 2022 and December 2023.

SERAP has demanded that INEC provide details regarding the beneficiaries of payments, procurement processes, and evidence of the delivery and utilization of the goods and services. Additionally, the group urged INEC to refer the alleged financial misconduct and procurement violations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and recovery.