“Budget Padding, Now Forging Laws” – A National Shame, Obi Says

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s recently enacted tax reform laws, describing the situation as a progression “from padded budgets to forged laws” and a profound “national shame.”

In a detailed statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, titled “Migrating from Padded Budgets to Forged Laws,” Obi highlighted what he called “documented discrepancies” between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and those published in the official gazette by the executive arm.

“This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a serious matter that strikes at the core of constitutional governance and reveals the extent of our institutional decay,” Obi wrote.

The controversy stems from allegations raised earlier this week in the House of Representatives by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), who claimed that provisions in the four tax reform bills—signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025 were materially altered after legislative passage.

These include the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

Obi specifically pointed to unapproved additions, such as a mandatory 20% deposit requirement before tax appeals can be heard in court, provisions allowing asset sales without judicial oversight, and expanded arrest powers for tax authorities. He argued these changes undermine taxpayers’ rights and access to justice.

“We have transitioned from a Nigeria where budgets are padded to one where laws are forged—changes that impact taxpayers’ rights and, most importantly, access to justice,” he stated.

The former governor also criticized the Presidency’s silence on the matter, calling it “most disturbing” amid allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process. “Who made these alterations?

All of this must be made public. Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded,” Obi demanded.

He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process, warning that eroding trust in governance while demanding higher taxes from citizens is unsustainable.

“No nation can thrive where laws are forged and silence replaces leadership,” he added.

Obi’s remarks come as the House of Representatives has formed a select committee to investigate the claimed post-passage alterations, with lawmakers describing any unauthorized changes as a potential usurpation of legislative powers and a breach of the 1999 Constitution.

Obi concluded on an optimistic note: “We need leadership that follows due process, embraces transparency and accountability, and respects the rule of law. A New Nigeria is POssible.”