{
  "id": 7195950,
  "title": "SERAP asks INEC to account for N126.46bn funds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/serap-asks-inec-to-account-for-n126-46bn-funds",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T23:30:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/serap-asks-inec-to-account-for-n126-46bn-funds/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SERAP requests INEC to explain missing N126.46bn in election funds\nThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) account for over N126.46bn in public funds allegedly mishandled during the 2022 elections. In a letter to INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, gave the commission seven days to respond.\n\nThe funds were earmarked for various election-related expenses such as ballot boxes, electoral devices, vehicles, accreditation devices, digital archiving and consultancy services. SERAP's concerns stem from the Auditor-General of the Federation's 2023 audit report, which revealed irregularities and potential financial misconduct.\n\nSERAP calls for transparency and accountability, urging INEC to provide details on payments, beneficiaries, contracts, procurement processes, and the current status of the goods and services. The organization also demands that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigate the alleged diversion, unlawful expenditure, and procurement violations found in the Auditor-General's report.",
  "summary": "The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given the Independent National Electoral Commission seven days to account for over N126.46bn in public funds allegedly diverted, lost, mismanaged or otherwise unaccounted for in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 audited report. SERAP made the demand in a letter dated September 12, 2026, signed by its Deputy Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "SERAP demands INEC account for N126.46bn missing election funds",
    "Funds were allocated for election-related expenses like ballot boxes and devices",
    "Audit report reveals irregularities and potential financial misconduct"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "SERAP asks INEC to account for N126.46bn funds",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/serap-asks-inec-to-account-for-n126-46bn-funds-7198595",
        "published": "2026-09-13T23:46:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ripples Nigeria",
        "title": "SERAP gives INEC 7 days to account for ₦126bn ‘diverted funds’ or face court action",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/serap-gives-inec-7-days-to-account-for-126bn-diverted-funds-or-face",
        "published": "2026-09-14T00:57:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}