The introduction of tax reform bills by President Bola Tinubu has sparked a heated debate, with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, also the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, leading the charge against what he terms “anti-people” policies. Mohammed’s strong stance, punctuated by a warning that the North would “show its true colours” if the reforms continued, drew a swift rebuke from the Presidency, which deemed his comments inflammatory and unrepresentative of the North’s views. The Presidency urged Mohammed to retract his statement and engage in constructive dialogue, emphasizing the potential benefits of the tax reforms and increased federal allocations for states. This initial exchange set the stage for a broader national discussion involving political parties, socio-cultural groups, and youth organizations, highlighting the complex interplay of regional interests, political maneuvering, and economic concerns surrounding the proposed reforms.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rallied behind Governor Mohammed, echoing his concerns about the tax reforms. The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, characterized the bills as anti-people and criticized the government’s borrowing practices. Sunday Ude-Okoye, the party’s National Secretary, further asserted that the PDP and its governors were not intimidated by any perceived threats. The PDP Governors’ Forum Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, defended Mohammed’s right to express the frustrations of his constituents, accusing the Tinubu administration of being unresponsive to the people’s concerns. This unified front presented by the PDP underscored the party’s opposition to the tax reforms and its willingness to challenge the ruling APC government.
While the PDP presented a united front, other political actors offered diverse perspectives. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) downplayed the controversy, urging dialogue and emphasizing the role of the National Assembly in the legislative process. Nze Chidi Duru, the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, stressed the importance of public hearings and constructive engagement. The Labour Party, represented by its Deputy National Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu, criticized Mohammed for claiming to speak for the entire North, emphasizing the need to separate governance from ethnicity and religion. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) advised the Tinubu government to prioritize addressing the economic challenges facing Nigerians rather than demanding an apology from Mohammed. These varying reactions reflected the broader political landscape and the differing priorities of the various parties.
Within the PDP itself, divisions emerged regarding the tax reform bills, with some members supporting the reforms while others opposed them. This internal dissent, while not publicly acknowledged, highlighted the complexities of the issue and the difficulty in forming a unified party stance. Further complicating the regional dynamics, northern governors expressed their differing opinions on the Value Added Tax (VAT) bill, with Gombe State Government House Director General Ismaila Misilli emphasizing the governors’ previously stated position on the matter. Leaders from the North-Central region, including representatives from the Mzough U Tiv, Ochi’kidoma, and Omi’Ngede socio-cultural groups, distanced themselves from Mohammed’s statements, asserting their support for the Tinubu administration and the tax reform bills. This regional divide within the North underscored the nuanced nature of the debate and the differing economic and political priorities of the various sub-regions.
The Middle Belt Forum also backed the Tax Reform Bills, prioritizing national progress over regional concerns. Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the forum’s National President, criticized governors who opposed the policy without considering its merits, advocating for a holistic assessment. Youth groups, such as the Modugari Youth Caucus, expressed concern about the divisive potential of Mohammed’s comments, urging leaders to exercise caution in their public pronouncements. Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, representing Zamfara West, voiced his support for Tinubu’s reform agenda, emphasizing its potential benefits for the North and the entire country. These diverse voices from within the northern region highlighted the lack of consensus on the tax reform bills and the competing interests at play.
Despite these expressions of support, opposition to the tax reforms persisted. The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) accused the Federal Government of disregarding public opinion and reiterated its rejection of the bills in their current form. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) urged President Tinubu to embrace criticism and engage in wider consultations, emphasizing the importance of democratic dialogue. The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria called on the President to address poverty and economic hardship rather than focusing on Governor Mohammed’s comments, warning of potential political consequences in 2027 if the needs of the masses are ignored. These persistent concerns underscored the challenges facing the Tinubu administration in navigating the complex political and economic landscape and the importance of addressing the anxieties surrounding the proposed tax reforms.
