SERAP Pressures INEC Over Missing N55.9bn Election Funds

SERAP has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to explain how N55.9 billion meant for election materials in 2019 went missing, raising fresh concerns about accountability within the commission.

The request was made in a letter sent to INEC chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, following findings from the Auditor-General’s latest report.

The group acted after the report revealed several irregular payments made for smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential materials. According to the report, billions were paid to contractors without proper approvals, documentation, or proof that supplies were delivered.

SERAP wants INEC to name the companies and individuals who collected the funds and explain how they were selected. The group also wants those involved sent to anti-corruption agencies for investigation, saying Nigerians deserve a transparent process for the money spent in their name.

The Auditor-General’s findings showed that some contracts were awarded without approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement or the Federal Executive Council. In some cases, receipts were issued months before contracts were awarded, suggesting that payments were made under suspicious conditions.

The report also revealed missing stamp duty deductions, unretired cash advances, and contracts awarded to companies with no experience in printing election materials. The Auditor-General warned that several payments may have been diverted and called for recovery of the funds.

SERAP has given INEC seven days to respond. If the commission fails to act, the group said it will head to court to compel the chairman to account for the funds and address the widespread concerns raised in the report.