The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau over its alleged failure to investigate claims of abuse of office involving amendments to the Electoral Act and tax reform laws.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/634/2026 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is seeking an order compelling the bureau to probe allegations that some lawmakers tampered with key provisions during legislative processes.
In a Sunday statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the case seeks “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the CCB to probe the allegations that certain lawmakers improperly removed key sections on electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.”
SERAP also asked the court to compel the bureau to investigate claims that “certain lawmakers and officers of the executive branch unlawfully altered some aspects of the tax reform bills,” leading to discrepancies between the laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted.
The organisation further urged the court to direct the CCB to refer any established violations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for prosecution.
It argued that granting the reliefs would address concerns relating to conflict of interest and abuse of office.
“Granting the reliefs sought would help address critical concerns relating to conflict of interest, abuse of office, non-disclosure of interests, and reinforce adherence to due process,” the statement read.
SERAP maintained that any form of lawmaking influenced by personal or sectional interests undermines constitutional responsibility.
“Where lawmaking is shaped by abuse of office and conflict of interest, it ceases to be a legitimate exercise of constitutional and fiduciary responsibility,” it stated.
The group stressed that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers mandates transparency and accountability, adding that all allegations of breaches must be thoroughly investigated.
“Public officers hold their offices in trust for the people and must not deploy official power for personal or sectional advantage,” it added.
SERAP also cited constitutional provisions requiring public institutions to combat corruption and enforce ethical standards in governance.
The organisation referenced allegations that some lawmakers removed provisions on the electronic transmission of election results during plenary without due process.
It also noted claims of discrepancies between tax reform bills passed by lawmakers and the versions gazetted by the Federal Government.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
