We can’t start 2026 with more taxes — Dumebi Kachikwu tells Tinubu

Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised the Federal Governments proposed tax reforms, warning that Nigerians cannot afford to begin 2026 with additional tax burdens. In a statement released on Wednesday, Kachikwu cautioned that implementing the proposed tax reforms could trigger what he described as a crisis of unprecedented proportions, particularly in light of the countrys ongoing security challenges. According to him, Nigerians currently need care, compassion and support, not policies that would further deepen their hardship. He compared the suffering of present-day Nigerians to the biblical account of the Israelites under Pharaoh in Egypt, noting that many citizens are increasingly questioning whether their leader is acting in a similar manner. Kachikwu acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu inherited a fragile economy that required urgent intervention. However, he argued that the economic surgery undertaken so far has inflicted severe pain on ordinary Nigerians who were supposed to benefit from the reforms. He expressed concern that the primary beneficiaries of current policies are what he described as legal robbers, individuals and companies who profit from government decisions at the expense of the wider population. While admitting that tax reforms may be necessary, he stressed that an already overburdened populace cannot endure additional taxation, especially amid widespread distrust over how public revenues are utilised. The former ADC candidate warned that further taxation would hasten the erosion of Nigerias middle class, many of whom now bear the high cost of private education, healthcare and other essential services due to the collapse of public institutions. My fear is that if implemented as promised, these tax reforms will instigate a crisis of unprecedented proportions, which no one can afford, especially with our current security issues, he said. Kachikwu noted that he has supported some of President Tinubus bold initiatives and would back him over what he called failed politicians masquerading as the opposition. However, he stressed that he could not support any reform that further undermines the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians. The post We cant start 2026 with more taxes Dumebi Kachikwu tells Tinubu appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.