The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly introduced tax laws, alleging that key provisions were altered after approval by the National Assembly and assent by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the alleged modifications as a serious constitutional violation that threatens democratic governance and the separation of powers.
The ADC’s reaction followed a point of privilege raised on December 17 by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto) in the House of Representatives, where he highlighted discrepancies between the tax bills passed by lawmakers and the versions later released to the public.
According to the party, a forensic review revealed that some accountability provisions were removed, while new clauses allegedly granting coercive powers to the Executive such as arresting individuals and seizing property for tax non-compliance without court approval were inserted.
The ADC warned that any alteration of legislation after passage by the National Assembly amounts to an assault on constitutional governance and raises concerns about the concentration of power in the Executive.
The party demanded an immediate halt to the implementation of the tax laws to allow for a full legislative review and called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of any officials found responsible for the alleged alterations.
It stressed that only the legislature has the constitutional authority to make laws, insisting that any law not passed in accordance with due process cannot stand.