INEC in big trouble over ‘missing’ N55.9bn 2019 election funds

INEC logo

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. Punch