Dada Olusegun, Special Adviser on Social Media to President Bola Tinubu, has accused Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, of hypocrisy over tax reforms. Olusegun alleged that the reforms currently being pushed by Tinubu were part of Kwankwaso’s 2023 campaign manifesto.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Olusegun stated, “Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso in his 2023 campaign manifesto vowed to do this exact tax reforms that he is today opposing vehemently. Let him or his people deny it. The manifesto is in public domain for those who don’t believe.”

The controversy surrounds four tax reform bills proposed by Tinubu’s administration: the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These bills, currently under deliberation in the National Assembly, aim to overhaul the nation’s tax system.

Despite the alleged alignment with his past proposals, Kwankwaso has voiced opposition to Tinubu’s approach. On Monday, the former Kano State governor urged the president to reconsider the tax reforms, citing the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.

“This is not the right time for such measures,” Kwankwaso argued, reflecting concerns that the proposed reforms could exacerbate existing hardships.

Critics of the bills have labeled them as being skewed to benefit Lagos and Rivers States, allegedly at the expense of northern regions.

Tinubu’s camp has rejected the claims of regional bias. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the allegations, asserting that the reforms are designed to uplift the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians across the country.

“These measures will enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living,” Onanuga explained.