Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government for allegedly making illegal changes to Nigeria’s tax reform laws after their passage by the National Assembly. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku described these alterations as serious constitutional violations that threaten democratic governance.
He characterized the modifications as “an act of treason against the Nigerian people,” asserting that they undermine the constitutional framework established to protect citizens.
Atiku accused the executive branch of adding provisions to the tax legislation post-approval, which he claims violate the 1999 Constitution. He argued that these alterations grant tax authorities excessive powers, facilitating actions such as property seizures and arrests without judicial oversight.
Moreover, he criticized the new laws for imposing greater financial burdens on citizens and businesses. Changes include mandatory security deposits and complex reporting requirements that complicate compliance for struggling Nigerians and companies.
Atiku also highlighted the removal of key accountability measures from the laws, warning that these changes could foster authoritarian governance. He stressed the need to defend constitutional safeguards to prevent arbitrary rule.
In light of these allegations, Atiku has called for an immediate suspension of the tax laws set to take effect on January 1, 2026, urging the National Assembly to investigate and rectify what he considers illegal alterations. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that only duly passed legislation holds weight in governance.
The tax reforms, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, were intended to modernize Nigeria’s tax system. However, resistance has grown, with accusations that the final versions differ significantly from those approved by lawmakers, prompting the establishment of a committee within the House of Representatives to investigate these claims.
