In a significant development regarding election law in Nigeria, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for allegedly failing to investigate claims of electoral law abuse. This lawsuit, submitted on April 6, 2026, seeks to compel the CCB to look into allegations surrounding the improper removal of electronic transmission provisions from the recently amended Electoral Act.

The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in February 2026 and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Notably, Clause 60 of the new law makes the electronic transmission of results optional, a change that has raised concerns among various stakeholders.

Additionally, the amended law introduces new requirements for candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections. As many as 50% of candidates may face disqualification due to new tax compliance requirements, which mandate a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) linked to the candidate’s National Identification Number (NIN) and company registration number.

The Nigeria Revenue Service has launched an Integrated Tax Compliance Portal (ITCP) to facilitate the automated verification of TCCs, further complicating the electoral landscape. The Electoral Act also maintains strict 14-day deadlines for pre-election challenges, which could impact the ability of candidates to contest their disqualifications.

Critics argue that the new law disproportionately targets individuals outside the current power structure. An anonymous member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described the situation as “not transparency; this is a political purge disguised as tax administration.” Meanwhile, Chief Aiyenale Fred Jimoh emphasized that “the era of the politically powerful who operate outside the fiscal system is over.”

Senator Kawu Sumaila remarked, “If you aspire to manage a nation’s resources, you must first demonstrate you are a responsible contributor to those resources,” highlighting the government’s stance on tax compliance as a prerequisite for political participation.

These developments come in the wake of a legislative process that saw alterations to bill provisions without adequate debate or due process, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral framework. The implications of these changes will likely be felt in the upcoming elections, as candidates and parties navigate the new legal landscape.

As the situation unfolds, reactions from various political entities and civil society organizations are expected to shape the discourse surrounding election law in Nigeria. The lawsuit filed by SERAP may serve as a pivotal moment in addressing concerns over electoral integrity and accountability.

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