ADC Demands Suspension of Tax Laws Over Alleged Post-Approval Modifications

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s recently introduced tax laws, citing allegations that key provisions were altered after the bills were passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu. The party described the alleged changes as a serious constitutional breach that threatens democratic governance and the separation of powers.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said reports of discrepancies between the versions of the tax bills approved by lawmakers and those later released to the public have raised grave concerns. According to the party, any alteration of legislation after parliamentary approval undermines constitutional order and erodes public trust in the lawmaking process.

The controversy follows a point of privilege raised on December 17 in the House of Representatives by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), who drew attention to alleged inconsistencies between the harmonised bills passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted versions made available to the public.

Allegations of Legislative Alterations

The ADC stated that it reviewed multiple reports suggesting that the tax laws signed into law contain substantial changes that were not part of the original legislation approved by lawmakers. The party said these alleged modifications raise questions about the integrity of the legislative process and adherence to constitutional provisions.

According to the statement, the party conducted what it described as a “forensic review” of the original bills and the gazetted laws. This review, the ADC claimed, revealed that certain accountability provisions were removed, while new clauses were inserted that grant extensive enforcement powers to the Executive.

One of the alleged insertions, the party noted, empowers government authorities to arrest individuals and take over property in cases of non-compliance with the tax laws, allegedly without recourse to the courts. The ADC argued that such provisions, if confirmed, represent a significant shift in the balance of power and pose risks to civil liberties.

Concerns Over Executive Power and Governance

Beyond the issue of taxation, the ADC said the alleged alterations reflect a broader concern about governance and respect for democratic institutions. The party reiterated its opposition to tax measures that could worsen the economic hardship faced by citizens and businesses, but stressed that the present controversy extends beyond fiscal policy.

“Altering legislation after it has been passed by 469 elected representatives of the Nigerian people is a direct assault on constitutional governance,” the statement said. The ADC warned that allowing post-legislative changes, even minor ones, would amount to an usurpation of legislative authority and set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

The party further alleged that such actions suggest an attempt by the Executive to centralise power, contrary to the principles of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.

ADC Calls for Suspension and Investigation

In response to the allegations, the ADC demanded an immediate halt to the implementation of all 2025 tax laws signed by President Tinubu. The party said this pause would allow the National Assembly to review the laws thoroughly, address any discrepancies, and take corrective action where necessary.

The ADC also called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged alterations and urged the swift prosecution of any government official found culpable. According to the party, accountability is essential to preserving constitutional order and maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, only the legislature has the power to make laws under our Constitution,” the statement said, adding that any law not passed in accordance with constitutional procedures “cannot stand.”