Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has indicated his willingness to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) if the party leadership continues on its current path. He revealed that he has contemplated leaving the party for some time but has chosen to remain out of loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, wanting to see him succeed.
While speaking during an interview, Ndume expressed his dissatisfaction with the tax reform bills proposed by President Tinubu, stating, “I maintain a close relationship with Tinubu, and I want him to succeed, which is why I have endured some of the criticisms directed at me. However, I could leave the party if necessary.”
He mentioned that the APC has even offered him the option to part ways with them if he desires. Ndume’s remarks come in light of his removal as Senate Chief Whip in July, a decision influenced by a letter from APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and national secretary Basiru Ajibola, following Ndume’s criticisms of the Tinubu administration.
During the interview, Ndume criticized the proposed tax reforms, likening them to “giving with one hand while taking back with the other.” He argued that the increased corporate taxes would lead companies to raise prices, ultimately burdening consumers.
He questioned the rationale behind excluding individuals earning below N800,000 from VAT while simultaneously increasing corporate taxes. “How does that help those individuals when they still face higher prices in the market?” he asked, pointing to potential price hikes on essential goods, such as cement.
Ndume revealed that he has consulted with professionals and academics who have reviewed the proposed tax bills and expressed their opposition to them. He voiced concerns about the rushed passage of the bills, suggesting that thorough examination and discussion are necessary.
The four tax bills in question include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill. These bills were recently advanced to a committee for further review after passing the second reading in the Senate.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bills, stated that they aim to improve Nigeria’s tax collection system and reduce the burden on small businesses while ensuring consistency in tax administration across the country.
