The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws.
The concerns follow reports in the house of representatives highlighting discrepancies in the gazetted versions of the four tax reform acts signed by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, the party described the changes as a serious constitutional crisis that threatens the principle of separation of powers.
Abdullahi said: “The ADC has reviewed several reports confirming longstanding concerns that the various tax laws passed by the national assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu contain substantial forgeries; key provisions that were not part of the original bills approved by the legislature.”
“ADC’s forensic review of the original laws and the gazetted versions have established beyond all doubts that key accountability provisions had been deleted and new provisions inserted which granted coercive powers to the Executive in the enforcement of the tax laws without recourse to the court,” Abdullahi stated.
The party expressed particular concern over a clause allegedly empowering the federal government to arrest individuals and seize property for non-compliance, insisting such authority was never approved by the legislature.
“For example, one of the criminal insertions into the laws grants the government of Bola Tinubu the express power to arrest and take over the property of anyone who does not comply with the tax laws,” the party noted.
While reiterating its opposition to taxes it believes will worsen economic hardship for Nigerians and businesses, the ADC said the issue extends beyond fiscal policy to the intent and character of the administration.
“But this issue goes beyond taxation. It speaks to the criminal mindset of a government that has no ethical boundaries, has no regard for democratic institutions and will do anything to pursue its narrow selfish agenda,” Abdullahi added.
The party also warned that allowing the alleged alterations to stand could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.