PDP calls for probe into alleged fraudulent alteration of tax laws

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded an urgent and thorough investigation into what it described as the alleged fraudulent alteration of Nigeria’s tax laws, warning that the development threatens legislative integrity and democratic governance.

In a statement titled “APC/Tinubu Administration: The Normalisation of Absurdity”, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the opposition party expressed concern over reported discrepancies between the Tax Act passed by the National Assembly and the version later gazetted.

The PDP said the issue was brought to light by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, whose intervention raised serious questions about how alleged “insertions and substitutions” found their way into the gazetted law without parliamentary approval.

According to the party, if proven, such actions would amount to a criminal subversion of the legislative process and could significantly undermine public confidence in laws enacted by elected representatives.

The PDP warned the leadership of the House of Representatives against trivialising the matter or attempting to “sweep it under the carpet,” recalling what it described as previous instances in which serious issues, such as claims of multiple budgets within a single fiscal year, were not adequately addressed.

“The laws Nigerians obey must be exactly the same as those passed by their representatives, not documents containing strange provisions unknown to lawmakers,” the party said, while commending Dasuki for what it described as his diligence and courage.

The party further demanded that the commencement date of the new Tax Act, scheduled for January 1, 2026, be deferred by at least six months to allow for a full investigation of the alleged irregularities, the publication and wide circulation of the authentic version of the law, and extensive public enlightenment on its provisions.

Beyond the tax issue, the PDP criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government over what it described as Nigeria’s declining regional and international standing. It cited recent diplomatic incidents, including the detention of Nigerian Air Force personnel in Burkina Faso and tighter U.S. visa restrictions on Nigerians, which it linked to worsening insecurity and governance challenges.

The party also faulted President Bola Tinubu for his absence at the 68th Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, despite Nigeria hosting the summit, describing it as a signal of weak commitment to regional leadership.

Urging the Tinubu administration to focus on governance rather than politics, the PDP called for greater investment in security, education, healthcare and infrastructure, warning that political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections should not take precedence over national interest.

“The stakes are too high for business as usual,” the statement said, stressing that legislative credibility, international reputation and regional leadership must rise above partisan considerations.