Sunday, April 5, 2026 -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 organization 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.
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