The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau, accusing the agency of failing to investigate serious allegations of abuse of office linked to amendments in Nigeria’s Electoral Act and discrepancies in tax reform laws.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/634/2026 and filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks an order compelling the Bureau to probe claims that some lawmakers tampered with key provisions—particularly those relating to electronic transmission of election results—in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

SERAP is also asking the court to mandate an investigation into alleged alterations in the tax reform bills, which reportedly created inconsistencies between versions passed by lawmakers and those officially gazetted.

The organisation further wants the Bureau to refer any confirmed violations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for prosecution, stressing the need to uphold accountability and the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust.

According to SERAP, such alleged actions point to possible conflicts of interest, abuse of power, and violations of due process. It argued that any lawmaking influenced by personal or political interests undermines constitutional responsibility and erodes public trust.

The group maintained that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers requires full transparency and accountability, insisting that all public officials—whether in the legislature or executive—must be subject to investigation where credible allegations arise.

Citing constitutional provisions, SERAP emphasised that public officers must not place themselves in positions where personal interests conflict with official duties, adding that institutions have a responsibility to tackle corruption and abuse of power.

The lawsuit also referenced claims that provisions on electronic transmission of election results were removed during plenary without debate, despite prior support, and that certain elements of the tax laws were altered after legislative approval without due process.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the case.