The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has demanded the suspension of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws, alleging that the version released to the public differs from the one passed by the National Assembly. The party’s call follows a claim by a House of Representatives member that the executive altered key provisions of the tax laws after they were approved by lawmakers.
According to the PRP, this alleged manipulation constitutes “blatant executive misconduct” and a “flagrant disregard for constitutional sovereignty.” National Chairman Falalu Bello said the lawmaker’s revelation shows that the executive clandestinely changed bills after their passage by the National Assembly without legislative approval.
The tax reform laws, signed by President Bola Tinubu, are intended to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system and are slated to take effect on 1 January 2026. However, they faced strong resistance during legislative deliberations, especially from some northern lawmakers who raised concerns about their economic and regional impacts. The controversy intensified after Representative Abdussamad Dasuki asserted that certain provisions in the gazetted laws were never debated or approved by legislators.
The PRP is demanding a full investigation into the discrepancies between the laws passed by lawmakers and the version gazetted by the Federal Government. It also calls for punitive action against anyone found culpable, including President Tinubu if evidence links him to the alleged manipulations. The party warned it will approach the courts if the issue is not addressed and urged the Federal Government to halt implementation of the tax laws pending resolution of the controversy.
Prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have also criticized the tax reforms and called for a suspension of their implementation until the disputed provisions are clarified. The episode has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Comments are closed for this story.