The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, demanding a full public explanation of how N55.9 billion allocated for election materials in 2019 was spent - threatening that failure to comply would trigger legal action.

In a letter dated December 7, 2025, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare cited findings from the Auditor-General’s 2022 report, released in September 2025, which flagged irregularities in INEC’s accounts. Among the discrepancies was an “irregular payment” of N5.3 billion to a single contractor for smart card readers, alongside other questionable transactions that together totalled N55.9 billion.

SERAP’s demands include:

• Public disclosure of the contractors who received the funds, including their directors and shareholders.
• Release of the contractors’ registered addresses.
• Referral of the matter to the EFCC and ICPC for investigation and prosecution.
• Recovery of all allegedly missing or diverted funds.

“These grave allegations of corruption in the supply of election materials directly undermine Nigerians’ right to credible elections,” the letter stated. “INEC cannot fulfil its constitutional duty to conduct free and fair polls if it continues to operate in secrecy and impunity.”

Beyond the financial concerns, SERAP also condemned what it described as a growing culture of government disobedience to court judgments. The group noted that rulings in the public interest are often ignored, while politically convenient orders are swiftly enforced.

“Prolonged refusal to obey court orders sets a dangerous precedent that can encourage citizens to disregard the law,”  - Oluwadare 

As of press time, INEC had not issued any official response to the ultimatum. The case could become a litmus test for transparency in Nigeria’s electoral system, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape under new leadership.