The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project
(SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to immediately provide a
clear explanation regarding the alleged disappearance or diversion of N55.9
billion allocated for the 2019 general elections.
The demand follows revelations in the Auditor-General
of the Federation’s annual report, released on September 9, 2025, which
flagged serious financial discrepancies involving funds meant for the
procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other
essential election materials.
“We’ve urged Professor Joash Amupitan to promptly
account for the missing or diverted N55.9 billion,” SERAP said, stressing that
accountability is essential to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral
process.
The organisation warned that unresolved allegations of
corruption strike at the heart of democratic integrity.
“Corruption in the supply of election materials
undermines Nigerians’ right to participate in elections that are free, fair,
transparent, and credible,” SERAP stated.
The group further argued that INEC cannot effectively
fulfil its constitutional duties while failing to uphold transparency,
accountability, and rule of law.
“INEC must operate without corruption if the
commission is to uphold Nigerians’ right to choose their leaders,” the
organisation added.
With public scrutiny intensifying, Nigerians now await
INEC’s official response to both the Auditor-General’s findings and SERAP’s
demand for full disclosure.
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