The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the National Assembly of failing to independently scrutinise policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Kwankwaso alleged that lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives had become a rubber stamp for the President, approving proposals without adequately considering their implications for Nigerians.
He made the allegation while speaking at the inauguration of the NDC campaign council in Jigawa State, held in Dutse, the state capital.
The former Kano State governor specifically criticised the National Assembly over the passage of the tax reform bills, alleging that lawmakers supported the legislation despite concerns about its impact on ordinary 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 said.
He also alleged that the Federal Government had delayed the implementation of the tax laws because of concerns about the possible political consequences ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, Nigerians could face increased tax burdens if the All Progressives Congress (APC) secures another electoral mandate.
Kwankwaso warned that the government could introduce more aggressive tax collection measures, including going from house to house to collect taxes.
He further questioned the continued borrowing by the Federal Government despite revenue from taxation, the removal of fuel subsidy and other sources.
The NDC chieftain urged Nigerians to hold elected representatives accountable and reject leaders who fail to protect their interests in the 2027 elections.
He said voters must be prepared to demand accountability from politicians who do not respect their yearnings and aspirations.
