The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that the federal government modified laws passed by the national assembly before they were officially gazetted.
The claim follows concerns recently raised in the house of representatives over inconsistencies found in the gazetted versions of the four tax reform acts signed by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Saturday, Obi said the situation signals a shift from “padded budgets” to “forged laws”.
He argued that the differences between what lawmakers approved and what eventually became law undermine constitutional governance and weaken public confidence.
Obi claimed that the newly enacted tax reform laws contain insertions that were never approved by the legislature, including a compulsory 20 percent deposit for tax-related court appeals, clauses allowing asset sales without judicial supervision, and provisions empowering tax authorities to arrest citizens.
He described the additions as “outrageous” and coercive, saying they directly affect taxpayers’ rights and restrict 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 said.
”Even more alarming is the introduction of new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never approved.
”These include an outrageous requirement for a mandatory 20% deposit before appeals can be heard in court, asset sales without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities.
“The silence of the Presidency on a matter involving allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process is deeply disturbing.”
The former Anambra governor called for full disclosure of the versions of the laws passed by the national assembly, signed by the president, and ultimately gazetted.
“Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded,” Obi added.
“We cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses.”
He urged leaders to uphold due process, transparency and accountability, warning that no country can make progress where laws are manipulated.