- Issues 7-day ultimatum
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) youth wing has threatened nationwide protests and coordinated resistance over alleged controversial provisions in the 2025 Tax Laws recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
The group warned that unless its concerns are addressed within seven days, it would mobilise youths across the country for mass action, including a taxpayer strike targeting key revenue-generating institutions.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Friday, the ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufai, said the group had given the Federal Government until January 3, 2026, to take corrective action on the tax laws.
“Should this ultimatum expire without a meaningful response, we will move from dialogue to legitimate national resistance,” Rufai said.
He accused the Federal government and the National Assembly of undermining democratic processes, alleging that the tax framework was imposed on Nigerians without adequate consultation or transparency.
According to him, the new tax regime failed to reflect the harsh economic realities facing young Nigerians, who constitute a significant portion of the population, while allegedly protecting the interests of political elites.
Rufai disclosed that members of the ADC youth wing had marched to the National Assembly on December 23, 2025, where they submitted a formal petition outlining their grievances over the tax laws.
He said despite the seriousness of the issues raised, the National Assembly had not responded, a situation he described as “arrogant silence” and an abdication of legislative responsibility.
The group further alleged that a review of the 2025 Tax Laws revealed that some provisions were inserted without proper legislative approval.
Rufai specifically cited Section 41(8), which requires taxpayers to deposit 20 per cent of disputed tax assessments before filing appeals, and Section 60, which allegedly grants arrest powers to tax officers.
“These clauses were not debated or voted on at plenary. This amounts to black-market legislation and a direct assault on constitutional governance,” he said.
The ADC youth wing called for the suspension of the implementation of the tax laws, warning that failure to address its demands could lead to widespread protests by youths across the country.