Politics
Tinubu’s Tax reform bills: Reps deny govs threatening lawmakers
Less than a week after reports emerged of governors threatening to deny federal lawmakers tickets to vie for National Assembly seats in the 2027 general elections for supporting the Tax Reform Bills, some of the lawmakers have denied the claim.
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, said some governors were threatening to deny federal lawmakers return tickets if they did not withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills now before the National Assembly for consideration.
The President had transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele for the review of existing tax laws.
They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.
Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
Reacting to the tax reform proposals, governors of the 19 northern states on October 29, 2024, rejected the proposed shift to a derivation-based model for Value Added Tax distribution, arguing that the model would put the region in a disadvantaged position compared with its southern counterpart.
A few days later, the 36 state governors rejected the bills and asked for their withdrawal to allow room for more consultation.
Agbese, while speaking to Sunday PUNCH on Friday, said the threat against lawmakers was real.
“This has become more than a threat,” he added.
But his colleagues, in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH, said governors were becoming advocates of the reform bills.
The member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte/Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Chike Okafor, said, “I am not aware of some governors threatening to deny their lawmakers return tickets if they support the tax bills. I am from Imo State and a member of the All Progressives Congress, the same party as my governor. I work closely with him. I can confirm that he hasn’t asked us the lawmakers from Imo State not to support the tax bills.
“Don’t forget that he was a consummate lawmaker, having served two unbroken terms in the Senate. Again, don’t forget that he’s the Chairman of the Progressive Governor’s Forum.”
Also, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, said governors who were likely to oppose the proposed reforms were those who had not taken time to go through their contents.
“If any governor that has read this bill decides to deny a lawmaker his or her return ticket, it means the governor has not read the bill extensively. But I believe most governors have read the bill and are now in full support of it. I am in full support of this bill because it’s a game-changer and progressive. It redistributes wealth, and leaves no state behind,” Babajimi said.
On his part, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and lawmaker from Niger State, Joshua Gana, played down any threat from state governors, adding that God determines who becomes a leader at any point in time.
“God Almighty raises men into leadership positions in every nation. There’s no threat to any lawmaker on the 2027 ticket to return elected. We are the people’s representatives who will only do what is in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians,” Gana said.
Similarly, a member of the Labour Party from Abia State, Alex Ikwechegh, doubted the possibility of any governor opposed to the bills.
Meanwhile, the APC and the Labour Party have expressed divergent views on the bills.
The National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, argued that rather than killing the bills, the National Assembly should subject them to further consultations.
The APC spokesman also frowned on the alleged threats and blackmail against the lawmakers, saying such a thing should not be entertained in a democracy.
He said, “Blackmail is not allowed in the constitution neither is it allowed in particularly the type of democracy we are practising in Nigeria. I think what all sides need to do is to engage the instrument of lobby. If you have a mission that you want to scale through, you need to lobby.
“Lobby until you can win the confidence and conviction of the people that are going to deliberate on the issue. So, this tax issue needs to be looked into through wider consultation. All sides need to consult widely. There is a lot of misgivings about it and mischief is also coming in.
“We don’t want the issue to be looked at with an ulterior motive or something that is done to change one part of the country or the other. Let us look at it with a patriotic mind and subject it to proper and additional scrutiny through experts who know what the whole thing is all about. We can then engage the instrument of lobby.”
But the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, wondered why the Tinubu’s administration had been plagued by the ideas of taxation and loans since it was inaugurated on May 29, 2023.
“The only thing I want to say is that there is so much tax being introduced by this government making them look like a government that rules by tax. While they are busy taxing people, they are equally borrowing. Now, the question is, where are all these monies going? Nigerians have yet to feel the benefit.
“It’s not about taxes or how to share the proceeds. It’s about the proper allocations of what has been accrued from the taxes. If you are getting the money and projecting it into making the economy stable and putting food on the tables, that will be fine. But as I’m talking to you, they are still busy discussing when to pay the N70,000 minimum wage, and it is not adding up.
“So, the issue is, taxing Nigeria is killing. The last time I asked, they claimed they are taxing the rich. That is not true. They are taxing everybody because at the end of the day, tax has been added to what the rich put up in the market to sell. So, the people are left with no option but to buy. So, it still trickles down to the masses.”
However, the PDP and NNPP urged the National Assembly to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over political interests during the discussions.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Politics
BREAKING: SaharaReporters Report on Arrest of Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker Is False and Misleading
The recent publication by SaharaReporters alleging that prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (USA Igwesi), and eight others were arrested over an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is false and deeply misleading.
The report is being described as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of respected leaders in Enugu State and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Contrary to the claims contained in the publication, there was no arrest ordered by the Inspector-General of Police against Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi, or the other individuals named in connection with any alleged attack on an NDC meeting. There was also no operation by detectives from Zone 13 Command, Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, as alleged in the report.
Similarly, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing are strongly disputed and described as fabricated claims intended to create a damaging narrative around the individuals concerned.
The broader allegation that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have experienced coordinated armed attacks allegedly sponsored by Local Government Chairmen to silence the opposition is equally rejected as unfounded.
Attempts to associate Igwe Obiora Igwesi and Hon. USA Igwesi with criminal activity or political violence are viewed as an unacceptable effort to tarnish the image of individuals who have served their communities and contributed to the development of Enugu State.
The public, particularly the people of Enugu State, is therefore urged to exercise caution and verify the facts independently before accepting or circulating the allegations contained in the SaharaReporters publication.
Enugu State remains focused on peace, stability and development. Political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into the circulation of unverified allegations capable of inflaming tensions or damaging the reputations of individuals.
The position being maintained by the affected parties is clear: there was no arrest of the named individuals in connection with the alleged incident, no evidence has been presented establishing that any Local Government Chairman sponsored an attack, and the allegations contained in the publication are disputed in their entirety.
The public is encouraged to await verifiable facts from the appropriate authorities rather than rely on claims that have not been independently substantiated.
Fresh legal questions emerge over Chijioke Ugwu’s membership registration after Supreme Court restores party-register provisions
By Our Correspondent
Fresh legal questions have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship ticket in Enugu State following the Supreme Court’s restoration of key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
The questions centre on Chief Chijioke Peter Ugwu, who was recently announced by the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, as his running mate.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection on September 24, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. Ugwu’s selection was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media outlets.
But documents and information available to this newspaper raise a question that could potentially become significant if the PDP ticket is challenged in court.
The PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was conducted on May 25, 2026.
However, Ugwu is understood to have registered as a PDP member on May 31, 2026 — six days after the governorship primary.
This means that if the May 31 registration date is accurately reflected in the party’s official records, his name could not have appeared in the PDP membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the May 25 governorship primary.
That immediately raises the question:
Can a person who was not a member of the party on the date of its governorship primary subsequently be selected as the deputy governorship candidate without the Supreme Court’s restored membership-register provisions affecting the ticket?
What the Supreme Court restored
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 24, set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had declared the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.
The apex court upheld the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), following an appeal by INEC against the Court of Appeal judgment in the case involving the Zenith Labour Party.
Section 77(5) provides that only persons whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention may participate in the exercise.
Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Section 77(7) deals with the consequence of failure by a party to submit its membership register within the prescribed period.
These provisions are now back in force following the Supreme Court judgment. Legal opinions suggest that the law’s insistence on the membership register submitted to INEC is relevant to the validity of the party’s eventual nomination process, depending on how the PDP formally nominated and submitted its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The precise documents will therefore be crucial.
Among the questions likely to arise are:
What date did the PDP submit its membership register to INEC?
Was Ugwu’s name contained in that register?
When exactly did Ugwu become a registered PDP member?
Was he a PDP member before the register was submitted to INEC?
How did the PDP formally nominate him as running mate?
Was the nomination made through a procedure recognised by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution?
The controversy is coming at a sensitive time for the PDP, which has only recently unveiled Ugwu as Nnaji’s running mate. Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who runs businesses in logistics, contracting, consultancy and hospitality.
However, the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate constitute a single electoral ticket. Therefore, any legal or constitutional issue affecting the eligibility of the deputy governorship candidate automatically has implications for the validity of the joint ticket, including the governorship candidate.
Another legal opinion available to this newspaper insists that “the gubernatorial ticket is a joint one. If the name of a deputy governor is not on the digital register, it invalidates the entire process.”
In the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, APC’s David Lyon was declared winner. His running mate was Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The Supreme Court later disqualified Degi-Eremienyo over the documents he submitted to INEC. The crucial point was that the Supreme Court held that his disqualification affected the joint ticket he shared with David Lyon. Consequently, the court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his deputy.
This happened one day before Lyon was due to be sworn in as governor. The certificate was subsequently issued to Douye Diri of the PDP, who had the next-highest lawful votes and the required geographical spread.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence nationwide on October 9.
The development has prompted calls for eligible voters to visit the INEC office in their respective Local Government Areas to collect their PVCs and ensure they are prepared to participate in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, supporters of Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, Omeiheukwu Akpugoeze, have urged constituents in the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency to support his bid for a second term in the Federal House of Representatives.
The supporters made the appeal while encouraging eligible residents to collect their PVCs and exercise their franchise in the forthcoming election.
Voters are advised to follow official INEC guidelines and verify the applicable collection procedures and dates before visiting their designated collection centres.
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