The opposition Action Democratic Party (ADP) has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as illegal alterations to Nigeria's Tax Act 2025 after its passage by the National Assembly. The party has also thrown its weight behind a push for constitutional reforms to create special legislative seats for women, citing the country's abysmal record on gender representation.
A Grave Constitutional Violation
Addressing the nation in Abuja on Monday, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, the National Chairman of the ADP, labeled the alleged changes to the tax law a "grave constitutional violation." He dismissed the government's explanation of a "printer's error" as indefensible, arguing that it undermines parliamentary authority and democratic accountability.
"You cannot explain away alterations to an Act of Parliament as a printer's devil. Defending the indefensible is itself a slap on Nigerians and a clear sign of government failure," Sani stated. He emphasized that the power to make and amend laws rests solely with the National Assembly, warning that any unauthorized tampering constitutes an assault on the constitutional order.
The ADP chairman outlined the proper procedure, stating that if the government identifies errors or policy concerns, it must formally return to Parliament to propose amendments. "Smuggling clauses into a law already passed is not reform—it is abuse," he added.
Economic Hardship and the Call for Fair Reform
While acknowledging the need for tax administration reform, Sani cautioned that such changes must not punish ordinary citizens. He noted that reforms should aim to shift the tax burden from the poor to the wealthy and be implemented with transparency to stimulate growth.
Beyond the tax controversy, Sani painted a grim picture of the Nigerian economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. He cited alarming statistics, including:
- Inflation rising above 33 per cent in 2024.
- Food inflation exceeding 40 per cent.
- Over 60 per cent of households experiencing declining real incomes.
- Food consuming over 60 per cent of earnings for low-income families.
He linked this suffering to major policies like the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification initiated in 2023. "What Nigerians are experiencing is pain without protection. Economic reform must not translate into economic punishment," Sani lamented. He also criticized poor budget execution, noting that less than 20 per cent of the federal capital budget had been released by late 2025, stalling projects and worsening unemployment.
Advocacy for Women and a Systemic Reset
On the issue of democratic inclusion, the ADP chairman lamented Nigeria's position as having one of the lowest rates of women's political representation globally. He pointed out that women, who make up nearly half the population, hold less than four per cent of seats in the National Assembly.
To correct this historic exclusion, Sani called for constitutional reforms to introduce special or reserved legislative seats for women, following the example of other democracies that use affirmative action frameworks.
Sani concluded by warning that rising youth unemployment, emigration, and protests are signs of a democracy under severe strain. He called for a comprehensive national reset focused on accountability, disciplined public finance, inclusive democracy, and social protection. "Nigeria does not need propaganda but competence, courage, and respect for constitutional processes," he insisted, stating that the ongoing tax controversy will test the government's commitment to the rule of law.
