The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing press statement accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government under President Bola Tinubu of normalising absurdities in governance, highlighting a series of recent controversies that it claims undermine legislative integrity, national security, and Nigeria’s international standing.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the statement points to discrepancies between the tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and their gazetted versions as a prime example.
It references allegations raised by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), a member of the House of Representatives, who on 17 December flagged inconsistencies during plenary, claiming that the published copies available to the public differ from those debated and approved.
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Dasuki urged scrutiny by the Committee of the Whole, warning that such alterations could breach constitutional provisions and erode trust in parliamentary enactments.
The PDP commended Dasuki’s vigilance and demanded a thorough investigation, calling for the postponement of the Tax Act’s commencement date from 1 January 2026 by at least six months to allow probes, publication of the authentic version, and public enlightenment.
The opposition party further criticised Nigeria’s declining global influence, citing the detention of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 personnel in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing on 8 December.
Although the crew and aircraft were released on 17 December after diplomatic interventions led by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who met Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré, the PDP decried the incident as emblematic of diminished respect for Nigeria.
It also highlighted new US visa restrictions announced on 16 December, which suspend entry for Nigerians on certain immigrant and non-immigrant categories (including business, tourism, student, and exchange visas) due to security concerns and vetting challenges amid ongoing insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Additionally, the PDP questioned President Tinubu’s absence from the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on 14 December, where regional leaders discussed insecurity and instability, including a recent coup attempt in Benin.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria, a move the party said conveyed scant regard for regional stability despite the summit’s importance and host status.
Referencing the Global Firepower rankings, the PDP noted Nigeria’s military strength had slipped, contributing to perceived weaknesses in leadership and security management.
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In conclusion, the PDP urged the government to prioritise governance over politics, investing in security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure rather than political preparations for the 2027 elections.
It emphasised that issues of legislative integrity, international standing, and regional leadership are national imperatives demanding transparent, evidence-based solutions.
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