Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has threatened to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the contentious four tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu. Ndume’s comments, made Thursday night on Channels Television’s Politics Today, came just hours after the Nigerian Senate passed the bills for a second reading.
The bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, were presented by President Tinubu in October, urging the National Assembly to consider them. The legislation has sparked significant opposition, particularly from northern governors and some members of the APC.
Ndume, a senior figure in the ruling party, has been a vocal critic of the proposed reforms, which he claims could negatively affect ordinary Nigerians. Expressing his concerns, he argued that the tax policy would increase the burden on consumers despite promises of exemptions for those earning below N800,000 annually.
“If not, look, I can leave the party,” Ndume said, underscoring his frustration. “I am close to Tinubu and do not want to see him fail, but these bills are not helping the people.”
The senator highlighted that exempting people who earn less than N800,000 from paying VAT does not necessarily benefit them if the cost of goods continues to rise due to higher corporate taxes. He criticized the way companies, such as Dangote, might pass on the increased taxes to consumers, further raising the cost of living.
The debate over the tax bills is expected to intensify as the Senate prepares to hold public hearings in the coming weeks, with opponents urging lawmakers to reconsider the proposed reforms.
