By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) is calling on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend newly enacted tax laws, alleging that key provisions in the final, gazetted version were forged after the legislation had already been passed by the National Assembly.

The tax laws, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, have become the center of a growing political storm, with the ADC warning that any post-passage alteration of legislation represents a grave threat to constitutional governance and the separation of powers.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said its review of the laws revealed “substantial alterations” between the versions passed by lawmakers and those eventually signed and gazetted by the executive branch.

“The ADC’s forensic review of the original bills and the gazetted laws establishes beyond doubt that critical accountability provisions were removed and new, coercive powers inserted,” the statement said.

Allegations of Expanded Executive Powers
According to the opposition party, the alleged alterations include provisions granting the federal government expanded enforcement powers without judicial oversight, including the authority to arrest individuals and take over property for non-compliance with tax regulations.

The ADC argues that such provisions were not part of the legislation approved by Nigeria’s 469 elected lawmakers and says their inclusion points to what it describes as an attempt by President Tinubu to consolidate power within the executive arm of government.

“Tampering with legislation after it has been passed by the National Assembly is a direct assault on constitutional governance,” the party said, adding that only the legislature has the authority to make laws under Nigeria’s constitution.

Call for Suspension and Inquiry
The party is demanding the immediate suspension of all tax laws signed by President Tinubu in 2025 to allow lawmakers to conduct a full legislative review and determine the scope of the alleged forgery.

“This is the only reasonable course of action if Nigeria is not to give the dangerous impression that the principle of separation of powers can be sidestepped by the President,” the statement said.

In addition to suspension, the ADC is calling for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the alleged alterations and for the prosecution of any government officials found to be responsible.

Broader Political Implications
While reiterating its opposition to tax policies it says could worsen economic hardship for Nigerians and businesses, the ADC stressed that the controversy goes beyond taxation.

“This issue speaks to the mindset of a government that has no regard for democratic institutions and is willing to violate constitutional boundaries to pursue its agenda,” the party said.

As of publication, the presidency and relevant government agencies had not publicly responded to the allegations.

The claims are likely to intensify scrutiny of the Tinubu administration’s legislative process and could set the stage for legal and political battles over the validity of the tax laws.

For now, the controversy underscores rising tensions between Nigeria’s executive branch and opposition parties, with questions over transparency, accountability, and the limits of presidential power moving to the center of the national debate.