Politics
Tax Bill: Senator Ndume Criticizes APC’s Leadership, Threatens To Leave Party
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), threatening to leave the ruling party if granted permission.
The outspoken senator cited personal grievances with the party’s direction and his opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms as reasons for his discontent.
In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday night, Ndume disclosed that his loyalty to Tinubu had prevented him from exiting the APC earlier.
READ MORE: Reactions Over Detention Of Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo
“I told you I am very close to Tinubu. I don’t want him to fail, and that is why I am taking some of these insults. If not, look, I can leave the party,” he said.
Ndume further revealed that the party leadership had indicated he could resign if he desired. “The party has even given me an offer that I can go if I want. I can apply to them to let me go if they can give me approval, and I will go,” he added.
Fallout With APC Leadership
The senator’s comments come months after he was removed as Senate Chief Whip, a move linked to his criticism of Tinubu’s administration.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary Basiru Ajibola had written to the Senate, urging Ndume’s removal, citing his remarks against the president.
The APC leaders advised Ndume to resign from the party if he could not align with its policies.
Although Ndume later apologized and pledged not to criticize Tinubu’s administration again, his relationship with the party remains fraught.
Opposition to Tax Reforms
Ndume also used the interview to criticize the proposed tax reform bills currently under review in the Senate, describing them as poorly conceived and detrimental to Nigerians.
He argued that the reforms would increase the financial burden on citizens by causing businesses to pass on higher tax costs to consumers.
“Even today, the price of cement goes up, and that means consumers will have to pay more. If you tax Dangote for his refined products, it means he will add that cost to the cost per litre,” Ndume said.
“So, if you’re earning below N800,000, you will not pay tax, but what about the VAT on goods these people buy? Are you helping them?”
Ndume criticized the rushed manner in which the bills passed the second reading in the Senate, suggesting ulterior motives.
“Sit down and do it comprehensively and break it down! Why the hurry? There is a big suspicion. Why the hurry? They are in too much of a hurry,” he said.
Experts Oppose Reforms
The senator disclosed that he had consulted professionals and academics, who raised significant concerns about the reforms.
“I have studied this thing. I have given it to the professionals, even the lecturers of those that are promoting it—those people that taught them. I approached some of them, and they said, ‘look, this tax reform is good, it is good to do tax reform, but not this one,’” Ndume stated.
Tax Reform Bills
The four bills in question include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and Nigeria Tax Bill.
These proposals aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, eliminate double taxation, and promote private sector investment.
According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bills, the reforms are designed to simplify the tax process, reduce the burden on small businesses, and ensure uniformity in tax revenue collection.
“Nigeria’s tax reforms bill is a significant move to overhaul the country’s tax system,” Bamidele said.
The Senate has referred the bills to a committee for further review, with a report expected in six weeks.
Politics
“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
Politics
Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Politics
Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.






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