Two major opposition parties in Nigeria have raised the alarm and demanded immediate action concerning the country's newly enacted tax reform legislation. The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called for the suspension of the laws, citing serious allegations of unauthorized alterations made after their passage by the National Assembly.
Parties Warn of Constitutional Breach and Executive Impunity
The PRP, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Falalu Bello, condemned what it termed executive misconduct and a blatant disregard for due process. The party was reacting to claims that substantive provisions within the tax laws were inserted, removed, or modified without obtaining the necessary legislative approval after the bills had been passed.
The PRP described this development as a dangerous pattern of executive impunity that directly undermines the rule of law, the separation of powers, and democratic accountability. "This is an unforgivable breach of trust and a direct assault on the integrity of our legislative process," the party stated. It warned that such actions risk eroding public confidence and could expose the nation to instability.
Consequently, the PRP demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the alleged alterations. It insisted that all individuals found responsible must be held accountable for their actions.
Immediate Suspension and Threat of Judicial Action
The opposition party went a step further by demanding the immediate suspension of the implementation of the disputed tax laws. This suspension, they argue, should remain in force until all discrepancies between the version passed by lawmakers and the version that was officially gazetted are fully resolved and clarified.
The PRP issued a stern warning that failure to address this matter promptly could force the party to seek judicial intervention to halt the enforcement of the laws. In a significant escalation, the party also stated that if evidence emerges implicating President Bola Tinubu in the alleged manipulations, impeachment proceedings should be initiated, stressing that no individual is above the law.
ADC Labels Reforms Draconian, Joins Call for Halt
Echoing similar concerns, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also called for the suspension of the tax reforms ahead of their scheduled implementation date of January 1, 2026. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the reforms as draconian.
The party warned that tampering with legislation after its passage by the National Assembly fundamentally undermines democracy and suggests a dangerous attempt to concentrate power within the executive branch. The ADC stated that its findings indicated the final version of the tax laws contained provisions that were not part of the original bills passed by the lawmakers.
"The African Democratic Congress has called for the immediate suspension of the Tinubu administration’s tax laws following reports that the final version contains substantial forged provisions," the party's statement declared. Both opposition parties have urgently called on the government and the National Assembly to act swiftly to restore public confidence. They cautioned that leaving these controversies unresolved could deepen the nation's governance challenges as it approaches the year 2026.
Broader Political Reactions and Presidency's Response
The controversy has drawn reactions from other prominent political figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for the immediate suspension of the laws pending a thorough investigation, describing the alleged alterations as criminal. Similarly, the Labour Party's Peter Obi warned that the allegations point to a deeper crisis in governance, labeling the situation a direct threat to constitutional order.
In response, the Presidency has firmly dismissed the allegations. Speaking through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, the administration insisted the laws were enacted strictly through constitutional and legislative processes. Furthermore, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, ruled out any suspension of the laws, noting that some aspects were already being implemented ahead of the January 2026 deadline.
The National Assembly has also taken steps to address the claims. The House of Representatives has set up a committee to probe the alleged alterations, seeking to verify the versions of the law and clarify the process that led to the final gazetted document.
