Background
The Society for Election and Research Advocacy Programme (SERAP) has long positioned itself as a watchdog on Nigeria’s electoral processes. Since its inception in 2005, the group has filed several petitions against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ranging from concerns over voter registration to the transparency of campaign finance. Their latest move, filing a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, centres on a claim that more than ₦126 billion in electoral funds have gone unaccounted for.
SERAP’s Allegations
According to the plaint filed on 12 October, SERAP alleges that INEC failed to produce audited statements for the 2023 general elections, despite repeated requests. The petition points to a “missing ₦126 billion” that, according to the group, was either diverted or mismanaged. SERAP’s chair, Dr Uche Udeh, is quoted as saying:
“When public money disappears, the people suffer. We cannot sit back while ₦126 billion – enough to fund a national health campaign – is untraceable.”
SERAP further claims that the lack of transparency undermines confidence in the electoral outcome and violates the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates full disclosure of election‑related expenditures.
INEC’s Response
INEC’s spokesperson, Ms Aisha Abubakar, responded to the filing in a press briefing on 14 October. She acknowledged that the commission is in the process of finalising its Financial Statement for the 2023 elections, but insisted that “all funds have been accounted for according to internal audit procedures.” The spokesperson added:
“We are committed to transparency. The audit reports will be made public once the statutory review is complete, which is expected by the end of the year.”
Legal analysts note that INEC’s position rests on internal audit mechanisms that are not always subject to external scrutiny. As former election commissioner Mr Babatunde Adeleye observes, “The law requires external audit, but the commission often relies on its own accountants. That creates a grey area.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | SERAP’s Claim | INEC’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Amount alleged missing | ₦126 billion | All funds accounted for internally |
| Legal basis | Violation of Electoral Act 2022 | Audit in progress, results pending |
| Requested action | Court order for full disclosure | Release of audited report by year‑end |
| Potential impact | Erosion of public trust | Question of procedural compliance |
Implications for the Electoral Landscape
If the court orders INEC to produce a detailed audit, the precedent could reshape how electoral finances are monitored in future cycles. Transparency advocates argue that a public accounting would deter future mismanagement and restore voter confidence, especially after the 2023 elections, which saw a turnout of 35 percent – the lowest since 1999.
Conversely, critics warn that prolonged litigation may distract INEC from its core mandate of preparing for the 2027 elections. “A court battle over accounts is like a leaky bucket; it diverts water that should be used to fix the roof,” notes veteran journalist Mrs Nkechi Okafor.
What Can Be Done?
- Strengthen external audit mechanisms: Amend the Electoral Act to require an independent audit firm to verify INEC’s accounts within 90 days of each election.
- Public disclosure portals: Create an online dashboard where every election‑related expense is posted in real time.
- Parliamentary oversight: Establish a bipartisan committee to review the audit reports before they are released to the public.
These steps, while not exhaustive, could address the core grievance that SERAP raises – the need for accountability.
Closing Thought
Nigeria’s democracy thrives when citizens and institutions hold each other accountable. As the proverb goes, “If the goat is not fed, it will wander.” In this case, if the public purse is not accounted for, confidence may wander away from the electoral process.
What do you think should be the next step: a swift court‑ordered audit, or should INEC be given more time to complete its internal review before any legal action?