The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has given the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, seven days to explain how more than ₦126.46 billion allocated for electoral activities was spent.
SERAP said the funds were linked to the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral equipment and materials, sensitive election materials, result sheets and other services required for the conduct of elections.
The organisation made the demand in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, following findings contained in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
According to SERAP, the audit report raised concerns over several payments made by INEC, including more than ₦112 billion allegedly spent on ballot boxes and other electoral materials without competitive bidding or a certificate of no objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
SERAP quoted the Auditor-General as saying there was “no evidence that the items were procured,” while the companies awarded the contracts allegedly had unknown addresses, capacities and factory locations.
The organisation also cited an alleged payment of more than ₦1 billion for Toyota Prado vehicles without advertisement, competitive bidding or the required procurement approval.
It further said over ₦3 billion was paid to four contractors for ballot guides, sensitive materials and result sheets before the contracts were formally awarded.
SERAP said the audit report also questioned more than ₦9 billion paid for 22 similar contracts, alleging that some contracts were split to circumvent procurement procedures.
The organisation is asking INEC to provide details of the beneficiaries of the payments, contracts awarded, contractors and suppliers involved, as well as evidence that the goods and services were delivered and utilised.
SERAP also wants INEC to refer the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for investigation.
The organisation said, “Electoral resources are public resources. INEC must be able to account for every naira, demonstrate that it was lawfully spent and show that it served the purposes for which it was appropriated.”
SERAP further called for the identification of officials, contractors, companies and consultants responsible for any irregular transactions and the recovery of funds found to have been unlawfully spent or paid for goods and services that were not supplied.
It warned that failure to respond within seven days could lead to legal action.
“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest,” the organisation said.
SERAP also urged INEC to preserve all electoral equipment and other public assets linked to the audit findings until the allegations are fully reconciled and investigated.
