Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has accused the National Assembly of operating as a rubber stamp for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that federal lawmakers greenlight executive proposals without carefully evaluating their broader consequences for citizens.
Kwankwaso made these remarks during the official inauguration of the NDC campaign council held in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State. He expressed strong displeasure with members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, claiming they routinely endorse policies and bills submitted by the executive arm of government regardless of public apprehension or potential negative outcomes.
What did Kwankwaso say about the tax reform bills?
Specifically, the former Kano State governor targeted the legislature over its handling of the tax reform bills, asserting that several lawmakers backed the legislative process despite widespread worries regarding how the measures would affect everyday Nigerians.
“The worst part of it is that the session for the approval of the tax bill was chaired by one of us from Kano. Even the Senate President intentionally refused to attend because he did not want to be part of it,” Kwankwaso stated.
Furthermore, he alleged that the federal administration had postponed the actual rollout of the tax collection framework out of apprehension over the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“The bill has been passed into law, but the Federal Government is now afraid of losing the election. That is why it has delayed the collection,” he claimed.
“As soon as they get a second chance, God forbid, Nigerians will suffer from different kinds of tax collection. They will start going from house to house, checking even under your bed to collect taxes,” he added.
Why does Kwankwaso believe the legislature has failed?
According to the opposition figure, both legislative chambers have neglected their fundamental constitutional mandate to independently evaluate government policies and safeguard the welfare of the general populace.
“Our National Assembly members have become rubber stamps. They are just there, waiting for the President to present proposals for approval, regardless of public concerns or possible consequences,” he emphasised.
In addition to tax policies, Kwankwaso voiced deep apprehension regarding the federal administration's persistent borrowing trajectory, noting that this trend continues despite substantial revenues purportedly generated through taxation and the removal of petrol subsidies.
He questioned the economic justification behind accumulating more debt, particularly as the nation draws closer to the 2027 electoral cycle.
Concluding his address, Kwankwaso called upon citizens to demand accountability from their elected officials and to turn away from leaders who fail to champion public interests at the ballot box.
“You will give account of why you played a role in voting for a bad leader who does not respect the yearnings and aspirations of the common man,” Kwankwaso warned.