The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded President Bola Tinubu to suspend new tax laws set to be effective from January 1, 2026, citing discrepancies between National Assembly versions and gazetted copies, amid widespread public outcry.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong accused Tinubu’s administration of prioritizing revenue over citizens’ welfare, likening it to the 2023 fuel subsidy removal that harmed ordinary Nigerians.
He urged the president, who won with under 40% of votes, to act as “employee of the people” by heeding concerns and emulating PDP’s 2012 subsidy reversal under Jonathan.
Lawmaker Abdulsamad Dasuki highlighted differences in the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill during a December 17 plenary, prompting a House committee probe.
Disputes also focus on VAT revenue-sharing formulas with regional impacts, fueling calls from the Nigerian Bar Association and APC’s Senator Ali Ndume for withdrawal and investigation.
Tinubu rejected suspension pleas despite acknowledging alterations, insisting reforms proceed as planned hours before PDP’s second such demand. Ememobong stressed public trust is essential for legal compliance, warning against political gamesmanship on issues affecting all Nigerians.