The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s recently introduced tax laws, claiming that key sections were altered after approval from the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu.
The party views this as a serious constitutional breach. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that these modifications indicate a potential attempt by President Tinubu to centralize power.
This reaction follows Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki’s observation on December 17 regarding discrepancies between the approved bills and their public versions. The ADC demands a halt to the enforcement of these tax laws to allow the National Assembly to investigate the alleged changes. Their review suggests that critical accountability provisions were removed, and new clauses granting excessive powers to the executive were added.
The party asserts, “We do not support tax measures that worsen hardships for citizens and businesses. This issue reflects a disregard for democratic institutions.” They categorize any alterations to legislation post-approval as an attack on constitutional governance.
The ADC is calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of any officials involved in this alleged forgery, stressing, “Only the legislature has the power to make laws.” They demand the suspension of all 2025 tax laws signed by President Tinubu for a comprehensive legislative review to protect the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
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