The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s new tax laws. The party alleges that key sections were altered after approval by the National Assembly and presidential assent. ADC describes this as a serious constitutional violation.
In a statement on Saturday, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi warned that such modifications suggest President Tinubu aims to centralize power. The party’s concern follows a point of privilege raised on December 17 by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP – Sokoto). Dasuki highlighted discrepancies between the bills passed by lawmakers and the publicly released versions.
ADC insists the tax laws should be paused immediately. This would allow the National Assembly to review alleged changes and take corrective action. The party’s forensic review shows that accountability provisions were removed. In contrast, new clauses allegedly grant the Executive coercive powers, including property seizure and arrests for non-compliance.
The party emphasized that these alterations go beyond taxation. They reflect a disregard for democratic institutions and constitutional limits. “Altering laws after passage is a direct assault on constitutional governance,” the statement read. ADC described such acts as totalitarian tendencies, threatening separation of powers.
The opposition called for a full investigation and prosecution of officials responsible for these alleged forgeries. The party stressed that only the legislature has authority to make laws, and any post-legislative changes undermine democracy. ADC urges immediate suspension of all 2025 tax laws to preserve constitutional governance.
