The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over its alleged failure to investigate claims of abuse of office linked to 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, seeks an order compelling the bureau to probe allegations that some lawmakers tampered with key provisions during the legislative process.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said the case is seeking “an order of mandamus directing the CCB to investigate allegations that certain lawmakers improperly removed key provisions on the electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.”
The organisation also asked the court to compel the bureau to investigate claims that “some lawmakers and executive officials unlawfully altered aspects of the tax reform bills,” resulting in discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those later gazetted.
SERAP 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 related to conflict of interest and abuse of office, while reinforcing adherence to due process.
“Granting the reliefs sought would help address critical concerns relating to conflict of interest, abuse of office, non-disclosure of interests, and strengthen compliance with due process,” the statement said.
SERAP maintained that 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 duty,” it added.
The group stressed that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers mandates transparency and accountability, noting 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 said.
SERAP also cited constitutional provisions requiring public institutions to combat corruption and uphold 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, as well as claims of discrepancies between tax reform bills passed by lawmakers and the versions later gazetted by the Federal Government.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
