The Code of Conduct Bureau is being sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, or SERAP, for allegedly failing to look into allegations of abuse of office regarding changes to the Electoral Act and tax reform legislation.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the case number FHC/ABJ/CS/634/2026, requests an injunction for the bureau to look into claims that certain politicians altered important clauses during the legislative process.
The case aims 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,” according to a statement released on Sunday and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP.
Additionally, SERAP requested that the court order the bureau to look into allegations that “certain lawmakers and officers of the executive branch unlawfully altered some aspects of the tax reform bills,” resulting in differences between the National Assembly-passed legislation and the subsequently gazetted versions.
The group also asked the court to order the CCB to prosecute any proven infractions before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
It contended that issues with conflicts of interest and misuse of office would be resolved if the reliefs were granted.
According to the statement, “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.”
According to SERAP, constitutional responsibility is compromised by any kind of legislation that is affected by individual or group interests.
It said that “lawmaking ceases to be a legitimate exercise of constitutional and fiduciary responsibility when it is shaped by abuse of office and conflict of interest.”
The group emphasized that accountability and transparency are required by the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and that any claims of violations must be carefully looked into.
It further stated, “Public officers hold their offices in trust for the people and must not use official power for personal or sectional advantage.”
Additionally, SERAP referenced constitutional clauses mandating that public institutions fight corruption and uphold moral principles in government.
The group cited claims that certain MPs eliminated clauses pertaining to the electronic transmission of election results during plenary sessions without following the proper procedures.
It also mentioned allegations of differences between the versions of tax reform measures gazetted by the federal government and those voted by legislators.
The suit’s hearing has not yet been scheduled.
