The contract, which exceeded the approval threshold of the Tender Board, was not approved by the Federal Executive Council. Instead, presidential approval was obtained under Section 15(2) of the Public Procurement Act, which the audit noted did not apply to the procurement of smart card readers. Another issue involved N331,228,070.04 paid to contractors under doubtful circumstances, with audit findings indicating inconsistencies in supporting documents, including supplies and payments reportedly made before contract awards. In its responses, INEC maintained that due process was followed in its procurements and payments, citing presidential approvals and urgency of election-related activities. However, the Auditor-General described several of the responses as unsatisfactory and stated that the audit findings would remain valid until recommendations were implemented.

Source: Punch December 22, 2025 13:34 UTC