The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, following allegations that the final version of the law contains provisions that were not approved by the National Assembly.
The party raised concerns over what it described as serious discrepancies between the tax bills passed by lawmakers and the versions later gazetted and signed into law by the President. According to the ADC, these differences raise questions about the credibility of the legislation and the process through which it became law.
The new tax laws, which are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, are part of the Tinubu administration’s broader economic reforms aimed at increasing government revenue and strengthening public finances. However, the laws have faced criticism from opposition parties, labour groups, and some lawmakers, who argue that they place additional burden on Nigerians already struggling with rising living costs.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, urged the Presidency to halt the enforcement of the tax laws until all issues surrounding the alleged alterations are resolved.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of the Tinubu administration’s draconian tax laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026,” Abdullahi said.
“This follows recent findings that the final version of the law contains substantial forged provisions that were not part of the original bill passed by the National Assembly,” he added.
The call by the ADC comes amid growing controversy surrounding the tax reform package, especially after the House of Representatives raised an alarm over the matter. Lawmakers in the lower chamber recently alleged that the gazetted versions of the tax laws differ from what was debated and approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to members of the House, some sections of the gazetted law appear to contain new clauses or altered wordings that were never discussed or voted on during legislative proceedings. They warned that allowing such discrepancies to stand could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy and law-making process.
Although the full details of the alleged forged provisions have not been officially released, the claims have sparked widespread debate across the country. Legal experts and civil society groups have also joined the discussion, calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of the tax reforms.
The ADC said the allegations are too serious to be ignored, noting that taxation affects every Nigerian and must be handled with utmost care and openness.
According to the party, enforcing a law that may not reflect the will of the legislature amounts to a violation of democratic principles and could further erode public trust in government institutions.
“The Presidency must act in the interest of Nigerians by suspending this law and allowing for an independent review of the alleged discrepancies,” the party said.
The ADC also warned that going ahead with the law despite these allegations could lead to legal challenges, public resistance, and further economic hardship for citizens.
Nigeria has been facing economic difficulties in recent years, including high inflation, rising fuel prices, and a weakening currency. Many Nigerians have expressed concern that new tax measures could worsen their situation if not properly designed and implemented.
The Tinubu administration has defended its tax reform agenda, arguing that it is necessary to improve revenue generation, reduce dependence on borrowing, and fund key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Government officials have also said that the reforms are aimed at widening the tax net rather than increasing the burden on low-income earners. However, critics remain sceptical, pointing to the lack of trust in how public funds are managed.
The controversy over the alleged forged provisions has added a new layer of tension to the debate. For many observers, the issue goes beyond taxation and touches on the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative and executive processes.
Political analysts say the involvement of the House of Representatives in raising the alarm gives weight to the allegations and increases pressure on the Presidency to respond.
“This is not just an opposition party making claims. Members of the National Assembly are also raising concerns, and that should not be taken lightly,” a political analyst said.
The ADC further called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that only the version of the law duly passed by lawmakers is enforced.
The party said Nigerians deserve clarity on how the discrepancies occurred and who may be responsible if the allegations are confirmed.
So far, the Presidency has not issued an official response to the ADC’s call or the allegations raised by the House of Representatives. However, observers expect a response in the coming days as public attention on the issue continues to grow.
Civil society organisations have also urged the government to release the original bills passed by the National Assembly alongside the gazetted versions, to allow for public comparison and understanding.
As the debate continues, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the government will handle the matter. For citizens already facing economic pressure, confidence in public policy depends not only on the content of the law but also on the transparency of the process behind it.
For now, the ADC insists that suspending the tax law is the best step to prevent further controversy and restore public trust.
The coming weeks may determine whether the government will review the law, address the allegations, or push ahead with implementation despite the growing calls for caution.
