|Adejumo Adekunle
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has fired back at former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of peddling “egregious lies” over a purported tax law allegedly set for implementation after the next general election.
The rebuttal followed a viral video in which Amaechi warned Nigerians of what he described as a looming tax regime that would automatically deduct 25 per cent from certain financial transactions if the ruling party secures victory at the polls.
In the footage circulating online, Amaechi alleged that the tax measure would take effect immediately after the election, claiming it would severely disrupt businesses and everyday life.
“By January next year, February next year, all of you will be in trouble if APC wins,” he said.
He further claimed that under the proposed tax structure, a payment of ₦100 million for building materials would trigger an automatic ₦25 million deduction.
According to him, landlords and service providers would inevitably transfer the additional cost to tenants and customers, setting off a ripple effect across sectors.
“If you are a landlord and building a house, you will charge 25% extra because you won’t bear it alone,” Amaechi said, adding that professionals such as doctors and artisans would also increase their fees to offset the impact.
He questioned why the alleged tax law had not yet been introduced, insinuating that the government was delaying implementation to avoid voter backlash.
“Why is Tinubu not implementing it now? He’s waiting to finish the election so that you don’t punish him,” Amaechi stated, urging Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process to safeguard their future.
He warned that families could struggle to afford basic necessities, including school fees, if the policy materialises.
However, Onanuga swiftly countered the claims, dismissing them as false and misleading.
“Rotimi Amaechi caught spreading egregious lies about the Tax Act. The former minister, governor has really slipped so low misleading people about the law,” Onanuga wrote on his X handle.
He also suggested that the remarks might signal an emerging campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Is this blatant falsehood a foretaste of ADC campaign strategy during the campaign for 2027 election?” he queried.
The exchange has since intensified the Amaechi tax law controversy, drawing sharp political reactions and fuelling debate over fiscal policy and campaign rhetoric as the country inches closer to another election cycle.
