“Presidency’s Illegal Tax Law Alterations Are Treason Against Nigerians” – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Presidency of committing treason by allegedly altering tax laws passed by the National Assembly, describing the actions as a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku said the alterations represent “a brazen act of treason against the Nigerian people,” warning that the executive branch’s actions undermine legislative supremacy and remove critical protections for citizens.

According to Atiku, the Presidency inserted provisions into the tax bills after they were approved by lawmakers, in violation of Sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 Constitution. “The following substantive changes were allegedly illegally inserted into the tax bills after parliamentary approval,” he said, highlighting the most controversial points:

New coercive powers: “Arrest powers granted to tax authorities, property seizure and garnishment without court orders, and enforcement sales conducted without judicial oversight. These provisions transform tax collectors into quasi-law enforcement agencies, stripping Nigerians of due process protections intentionally preserved by the National Assembly.”

Increased financial burdens: “Mandatory 20% security deposit before appealing tax assessments, compound interest on tax debts, quarterly reporting requirements with lowered thresholds, and forced USD computation for petroleum operations. These measures erect financial barriers that prevent ordinary Nigerians from challenging unjust assessments while increasing costs for struggling businesses.”

Removal of accountability mechanisms: “Deletion of quarterly and annual reporting obligations to the National Assembly, elimination of strategic planning submission requirements, and removal of ministerial supervisory provisions. By stripping away oversight, the government insulates itself from accountability while expanding its powers—a hallmark of authoritarian governance.”

Atiku criticized the government’s approach to economic policy, saying it prioritizes extraction over empowerment. “This constitutional violation exposes a troubling reality: a government obsessed with imposing ever-increasing tax burdens on impoverished Nigerians rather than creating conditions for prosperity,” he said. He warned that the measures would worsen poverty, unemployment, and inflation while stifling long-term economic growth.

The former Vice President urged immediate action from multiple arms of government and civil society. “I call upon the Executive to suspend the implementation of the tax law effective January 1, 2026, to allow for proper investigation. The National Assembly must rectify these illegal alterations through proper legislative processes and hold accountable those responsible. The Judiciary should strike down unconstitutional provisions and reaffirm the sanctity of the legislative process. Civil society and all Nigerians must reject this assault on democratic principles and demand governance that serves the people rather than exploiting them. The EFCC should investigate and prosecute those culpable in the illegal alteration of our laws.”

He concluded by emphasizing the principle of legislative supremacy: “What the National Assembly did not pass cannot become law. This fundamental principle must be defended, or we risk descending into arbitrary rules where constitutional safeguards mean nothing.”