The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the new tax laws introduced by his administration, citing allegations that key provisions were altered after the bills were passed by the National Assembly.
The tax laws, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, are now at the centre of controversy following claims by the opposition party that the versions signed into law differ significantly from those approved by lawmakers.
According to the ADC, some provisions were allegedly added or removed after the legislative process had been concluded, raising serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that altering laws after parliamentary approval constitutes a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the principle of separation of powers.
The ADC accused President Tinubu of attempting to concentrate excessive powers in the hands of the executive, stressing that such actions undermine the authority of the legislature.
The party urged members of the National Assembly to urgently intervene by reviewing the tax laws and establishing how the alleged alterations were introduced.
It further demanded that implementation of the laws be halted until a comprehensive legislative investigation is concluded and all identified irregularities corrected.
“The ADC therefore calls for immediate suspension of all the 2025 tax laws that has been signed by President Bola Tinubu to allow for a full legislative review,” the party said.
“This is the only reasonable course of action if we must not give the dangerous impression that the principle of separation of power enshrined in our constitution could be sidestepped by the President.”
The ADC also called for a public inquiry to uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged alterations and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
According to the party, a detailed comparison of the bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions published in the official government gazette revealed clear discrepancies.
It claimed that key accountability provisions were removed, while new sections were inserted granting the executive sweeping enforcement powers without judicial oversight.
One of the alleged additions, the ADC said, empowers the government to arrest individuals and seize property in relation to tax matters.
While reiterating its long-standing opposition to tax policies that could worsen economic hardship for citizens and businesses, the party noted that the current controversy transcends taxation.
According to the ADC, the issue strikes at the heart of democratic governance and respect for constitutional institutions.
The party described the alleged alterations as a direct attack on constitutional order, warning that allowing the executive to modify laws passed by elected representatives would erode the doctrine of separation of powers.
It maintained that under the Nigerian Constitution, lawmaking authority rests solely with the legislature and insisted that any law not enacted through proper constitutional procedures should not stand.
The ADC concluded by renewing its call for the suspension of all tax laws signed in 2025, a full legislative review, and the prosecution of any government official found guilty of tampering with the law.
