The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the alleged failure to account for N55.9bn meant for the procurement of election materials used in the 2019 general elections.

The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026, was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus compelling INEC to provide a full account of the missing N55.9bn election funds, which were allocated for smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials.

According to the suit, the allegations against INEC are based on findings in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025. SERAP wants the court to compel the electoral commission not only to explain how the funds were spent, but also to disclose the names of all contractors paid from the N55.9bn and the identities of their directors and shareholders.

In its filing, SERAP argued that INEC must operate with transparency and accountability to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria. The organisation said unresolved questions over the missing N55.9bn election funds could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and cast doubt on the commission’s ability to conduct credible elections in the future.

The civil society group noted that the Auditor-General’s report raised concerns about how the funds were managed, with allegations of irregular payments and questionable procurement practices. SERAP’s lawyers argue that such issues not only violate public trust but also the constitutional and statutory duties placed on INEC.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case, and INEC has not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of the filing of this report.