Otunba Segun Showunmi, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Convener of The Alternative, has launched a scathing critique against the National Opposition Movement (NOM). His criticism follows NOM's demand for the immediate suspension of President Bola Tinubu's proposed tax reform law.
Showunmi's Sharp Rebuke of Opposition Tactics
In a statement released on 20 December 2025, Showunmi dismissed the opposition's stance as unproductive. He characterized NOM's position as a blend of "alarmism, selective outrage, and political nostalgia." The PDP chieftain went further, labeling the movement's members as "gangs of failed politicians" who confuse noise for substantive policy and public outrage for genuine ideas.
Showunmi's rebuttal comes directly after NOM held a press conference in Abuja. During that event, the opposition coalition argued that the new tax law represented a severe attack on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians. They cited the country's challenging socioeconomic climate, marked by rising poverty, insecurity, and falling living standards, as reasons to halt the policy.
The Case for Necessary Reform
Countering these claims, Showunmi presented a firm defense of the reform agenda. He asserted that no meaningful reform is ever painless, but emphasized that the long-term cost of maintaining the status quo is invariably higher. "What truly punishes the poor is inflation driven by deficits, currency instability caused by weak revenues, and a government forced into endless borrowing because it cannot collect efficiently," he stated.
He argued that Nigeria is aligning itself with global best practices, not embarking on a reckless experiment. Showunmi pointed out that successful nations reduce poverty and inequality by building transparent, dependable, and broad-based domestic revenue systems. "Nigeria is following the same difficult but necessary path taken by reforming economies across the world," he added.
A Call for Fact-Based Opposition
Showunmi challenged critics to engage with the issue constructively. "Those who oppose it should do so with facts, honesty, and workable solutions, not theatrical despair and recycled slogans," he remarked. He drew a clear line between legitimate opposition and mere propaganda, insisting that the country cannot afford to be held back by voices that offer no credible alternatives beyond delay and a return to fiscal disorder.
He concluded with a warning about the consequences of inaction: "Reform is never painless, but postponing reform only deepens the pain and transfers the burden to future generations." For Showunmi, the establishment of a functioning and enforceable tax system is a non-negotiable foundation for building a resilient economy, a step he believes Nigeria must now take.
