The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, to explain how about ₦55.9bn set aside for different election materials for the 2019 general elections was handled. The request follows new claims contained in the latest annual report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025.
SERAP sent a letter dated December 6, 2025 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, asking INEC to give the names and details of the contractors who took part in the supply of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other materials. The group said the commission must show that it is not involved in corrupt practices if Nigerians are to trust the electoral process.
The group said the Auditor-General’s report pointed to several issues in the handling of contracts for the 2019 elections and asked the INEC chairman to send the matter to anti-corruption agencies so that any stolen funds can be recovered. According to the audit, INEC paid over ₦5.3bn to a contractor for smart card readers without any record showing that the items were delivered. The audit also rejected the commission’s defence that the contract was kept secret for national security, stating that the excuse did not agree with the Procurement Act and that INEC should have received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
On ballot papers and result sheets, the audit stated that INEC paid over ₦4.5bn to six contractors without any proof that the materials were supplied. The report added that there were no records showing advertisement, bidding, evaluation or approval for the contracts, and that no Certificate of No Objection was issued. The Auditor-General also said INEC failed to show documents that prove that the contractors were eligible, such as tax clearance, pension compliance, ITF certificates, NSITF records and BPP registration.
The audit cited another issue involving ₦331m paid out under doubtful conditions, noting cases where contractors received money before the contract was even awarded. One example showed that a contract for 25 generators was dated December 28, 2019, yet the receipt for payment was issued one year before that date.
The Auditor-General also said INEC failed to deduct over ₦2.1bn in stamp duties from contractors between 2018 and 2019 and dismissed the commission’s explanation. Another query faulted unretired cash advances totalling ₦630.6m, pointing out that some officers collected multiple advances without retiring previous ones.
The audit further questioned over ₦41bn in contracts for ballot papers and result sheets that were awarded without due process and noted that some of the companies involved operated outside the printing sector, including a construction firm, an oil and gas firm and a supplier of building materials. The report also raised concerns about a contract for four Toyota Land Cruisers awarded for more than ₦297m, adding that market records showed that the price of the vehicle in 2019 did not exceed ₦50m.
Across several areas, the Auditor-General warned that the funds involved may have been diverted and recommended that they be recovered and returned to the treasury.
SERAP said the findings represent a serious breach of trust and argued that the commission cannot guarantee fair elections in the future if the issues are left unchecked and those responsible are not punished. The organisation gave INEC seven days to respond and said it will begin legal steps to compel the commission to act if no reply is received within the period.