Former Nigerian Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of making unauthorized changes to the country’s tax reform laws after they were approved by the National Assembly. In a statement, Atiku described the alleged alterations as a serious breach of the constitution and an attack on democratic governance.

According to Atiku, the executive arm of government inserted new provisions into the tax bills after they were passed by lawmakers, violating Sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 Constitution. The changes grant tax authorities powers that were not approved by the National Assembly, including the ability to arrest and seize property without court orders. Atiku claims that these provisions undermine the protections of due process that were deliberately included by lawmakers.

The revised laws also impose significant financial burdens on citizens and businesses, such as mandatory security deposits and compound interest on tax debts. Atiku argues that these changes create barriers that prevent ordinary Nigerians from challenging unjust tax assessments and increase compliance costs for businesses struggling in a difficult economy.

Furthermore, Atiku accuses the government of removing key accountability mechanisms from the laws, including mandatory reporting to the National Assembly and ministerial supervisory provisions. He warns that such actions reflect a hallmark of authoritarian governance and demonstrate a focus on extracting wealth from struggling citizens rather than empowering them to prosper.

Atiku has called for the immediate suspension of the implementation of the tax laws, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, to allow for a full investigation. He urges the National Assembly to rectify the alleged alterations and hold those responsible accountable, and calls on the judiciary to strike down any unconstitutional provisions.

The controversy surrounding the tax reform laws has sparked resistance from civil society groups and some state governors, who have raised concerns about potential economic hardship and revenue-sharing implications. The House of Representatives has set up a committee to investigate allegations of forgery, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to investigate and prosecute those found culpable in the alleged alteration of the laws. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in determining the next steps in this developing story.