Senator Ndume threatens to leave APC over tax reform bills
Ali Ndume, the Senator representing Borno South, has threatened to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reform proposals.
Ndume made the remark dring his appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Thursday evening, shortly after the Senate passed the bills for a second reading.
In October, President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to deliberate on and approve four significant bills: the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.
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Ndume has been outspoken in his opposition to the proposed legislation, echoing the sentiments of governors from northern states who have also raised objections to the bills.
Speaking on the broadcast, Ndume stated that he is “close” to President Tinubu and does not want his administration to collapse.
“If not, look, I can leave the party,” Ndume replied.
He asked, “When you say those earning less than ₦800,000 will not pay VAT, on what? Does this imply that they are immune from VAT on the things they purchase on the market? And then you raise corporate taxes.
“Now the burden of these taxes will be transferred to consumers. So, are you really helping them?
“Even today, the price of cement has gone up, which means consumers will have to pay more. If you impose taxes on Dangote’s refined products, he will simply add that cost to the price per litre.
“So, when you say people earning less than ₦800,000 will not pay tax, what happens to those earning even less than that amount?”
The Senate is expected to hold a public hearing on the bills in the coming weeks.
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