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SERAP Drags INEC to Court Over Alleged N55.9bn Missing Election Funds
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to properly account for N55.9 billion earmarked for election materials during the 2019 general elections.
The suit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja under number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, is based on allegations contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s annual report published on September 9, 2025. The report raised concerns over missing or diverted funds meant for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other electoral materials.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling INEC to account for the N55.9 billion and to publicly disclose the names of all contractors paid from the funds, including details of their directors and shareholders.
In its arguments, SERAP maintained that INEC must operate transparently and free from corruption to guarantee credible elections and protect Nigerians’ constitutional right to participate in free and fair polls. The group warned that unresolved allegations could undermine INEC’s ability to conduct impartial elections in the future unless those responsible are prosecuted and misappropriated funds fully recovered.
According to SERAP, persistent failures in accountability amount to abuse of public office and erode public trust in the electoral process. It stressed that corruption allegations tied to election materials directly threaten the credibility, transparency and integrity of elections in Nigeria.
Court documents filed by SERAP’s lawyers—Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo—described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust, constitutional provisions and international anti-corruption standards.
The Auditor-General’s report revealed that INEC allegedly made irregular payments exceeding N5.3 billion to a contractor for smart card readers without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence that the supplies were delivered. INEC reportedly claimed the procurement fell under national security exemptions, a justification the Auditor-General rejected as inconsistent with the Procurement Act.
The report also cited payments of over N4.5 billion to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without documentation of procurement processes, contractor eligibility, or evidence of delivery. Additional irregularities included questionable payments of N331 million, pre-award payments to contractors, failure to deduct and remit over N2.1 billion in stamp duties, and unretired cash advances totaling more than N630 million.
Further findings showed that INEC allegedly awarded contracts worth over N41 billion for printing election materials without due process, including contracts to firms with no relevant experience, as well as a N297 million contract for Toyota Land Cruisers at prices far above market value.
In multiple instances, the Auditor-General expressed concern that the funds may have been diverted and called for their recovery and remittance to the treasury.
No hearing date has yet been fixed for the case.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.