The Action Democratic Party has faulted alleged post-passage alterations to Nigeria’s Tax Act 2025, rejecting claims that the changes resulted from a printer’s error and describing the controversy as a serious breach of constitutional governance.
Addressing a State of the Nation briefing in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, said any modification of an Act of Parliament outside legislative procedure undermines democratic accountability and the authority of the National Assembly.
He argued that laws can only be amended through due process, warning that inserting clauses after passage amounts to an abuse of power rather than reform.
According to him, if government has concerns about any aspect of the law, it must return to Parliament to seek amendments rather than alter an already enacted statute.
Sani noted that while Nigeria requires improved tax administration, reforms must be transparent and sensitive to the realities of citizens.
He said policies that shift the tax burden from the poor to the wealthy and provide targeted incentives could boost growth, but only if implemented within the bounds of the law and public trust.
The ADP chairman also criticised the broader economic situation, saying living conditions have deteriorated since the introduction of major policy changes by the current administration in 2023.
He cited rising inflation, worsening food prices and declining household incomes, noting that low-income earners now spend the bulk of their earnings on food.
He added that many small and medium-sized businesses are closing due to high operating costs, while slow release of capital funds has stalled infrastructure projects and contributed to unemployment.
On political inclusion, Sani drew attention to Nigeria’s low level of women’s representation in governance, describing it as one of the poorest globally.
He said women constitute nearly half of the population but occupy less than four per cent of seats in the National Assembly.
He therefore called for constitutional reforms to introduce reserved legislative seats for women, arguing that affirmative measures have helped other democracies address long-standing exclusion.
Sani further warned that rising youth unemployment, increased migration, shrinking civic space and frequent protests signal deep strain on Nigeria’s democracy.
He maintained that labour unrest and public demonstrations should be treated as signs of governance failure rather than security threats.
He concluded by urging a comprehensive national reset built on accountability, inclusive democracy, disciplined public finance and effective social protection, insisting that the country needs competent and transparent leadership rather than excuses.
According to him, the handling of the tax controversy will be a major test of the government’s commitment to transparency, the rule of law and democratic norms.
