Atiku on alleged tax law alterations treason
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws, describing alleged unauthorised alterations to the legislation as “an act of treason against the Nigerian people” and a direct assault on the country’s constitutional democracy. Atiku’s comments have intensified the controversy surrounding the tax reforms, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Atiku made his position known in a public statement in which he urged an immediate suspension of the implementation of the tax laws pending a thorough investigation into the alleged changes made after the bills were passed by the National Assembly. He argued that sections of the law were reportedly altered without legislative approval, undermining the supremacy of the legislature and violating Nigeria’s constitutional law-making process.
The former vice-president accused the executive branch of engaging in “draconian overreach” by inserting provisions that, he said, grant excessive powers to tax authorities. These provisions, he claimed, include new arrest powers, property seizure without court orders, and other coercive measures that were not part of the original versions debated and approved by lawmakers. Atiku also objected to financial requirements such as compulsory deposits before tax appeals and the use of foreign currency for tax computations on certain operations, which he said would place undue burdens on Nigerians and businesses.
Atiku’s description of the alleged alterations as treason reflects his belief that the reported actions circumvent Nigeria’s constitutional processes and erode democratic safeguards. He has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate those responsible for the changes and has urged the National Assembly to rectify any unconstitutional clauses. The former vice-president also appealed to the judiciary to strike down the disputed provisions and reaffirm the rule of law.
The controversy has sparked wide debate, with some civil society groups and legal organisations expressing similar concerns about the integrity of the legislative process, while government officials maintain that there is only one authentic version of the tax laws and that any claims of alteration should be examined by the National Assembly’s investigative committee.
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