‘Nigeria has moved from padded budgets to forged laws’ — Peter Obi

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Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the previous general election, has accused the Federal Government of presiding over what he described as law-forging, warning that the development poses a serious threat to constitutional governance and public trust.

Obi said in a statement titled “Migrating from Padded Budgets to Forged Laws,” uploaded on his X handle on Saturday, that there were proven disparities between legislation passed by the National Assembly and those later published and implemented by the executive branch.

He stated that the problem extends beyond administrative error, describing it as a significant constitutional violation that reveals fundamental institutional degradation.

According to Obi, Nigeria has transitioned from an era of bloated budgets to one in which laws are reportedly changed, with ramifications for taxpayer rights and access to justice.

The former Anambra State governor further chastised the Presidency for remaining silent on the topic, stressing that the claims entail probable falsification, abuse of process, and institutional sabotage.

Obi said: “Our national shame continues to unfold, evident in the decisions made by our leaders, even at the highest levels of government. This shame is highlighted by a deeply troubling—and frankly unacceptable—issue: the documented discrepancies between what the legislature passed and what was ultimately published as law by the executive. This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a serious matter that strikes at the core of constitutional governance and reveals the extent of our institutional decay.

“We have transitioned from a Nigeria where budgets are padded to one where laws are forged—changes that impact taxpayers’ rights and, most importantly, access to justice.

“Even more alarming is the introduction of new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never approved. These include an outrageous requirement for a mandatory 20% deposit before appeals can be heard in court, asset sales without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities.

“Perhaps most disturbing is the silence of the Presidency on a matter involving allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process. Who made these alterations?

“All of this must be made public. Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded. We cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses.

“We need leadership that follows due process, embraces transparency and accountability, and respects the rule of law. No nation can thrive where laws are forged and silence replaces leadership.”

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