Senator Kwankwaso claims Nigeria’s National Assembly acts as a rubber‑stamp for President Tinubu

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice‑presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), charged that the National Assembly has become a rubber‑stamp for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kwankwaso made the remarks during the inauguration of the NDC campaign council in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on 8 November 2026.

The senator said lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have been approving presidential proposals without adequate scrutiny, particularly highlighting the recent tax reform bills. He claimed that the session to approve the tax bill was chaired by a representative from Kano and that the Senate President deliberately avoided attending the proceedings. Kwankwaso also suggested the federal government delayed the implementation of tax collection out of fear of losing the upcoming 2027 general election, warning that future tax collection could become more aggressive.

Background

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, has a long political career that includes serving as a senator. His criticism comes as the government pushes through a series of fiscal measures, including tax reforms, subsidy removals and continued borrowing despite increased revenue from taxation. The tax reform bills, which were passed into law earlier in 2026, have sparked public debate over their impact on ordinary Nigerians. Kwankwaso noted that the Senate President’s absence from the tax‑bill session was intentional, implying a lack of accountability within the legislative process.

Why it matters

The allegations raise concerns about legislative oversight in Nigeria’s democratic system. If the National Assembly is indeed acting merely as a conduit for presidential initiatives, the checks and balances designed to protect public interest could be weakened. Kwankwaso warned that continued borrowing and delayed tax collection could burden citizens, especially with the 2027 elections looming. The claims also touch on broader issues of fiscal policy, governance, and the credibility of elected officials ahead of a critical electoral cycle.

What happens next

Kwankwaso called on Nigerians to hold their representatives accountable and to reject leaders who fail to safeguard public interests in the forthcoming elections. No specific legislative or judicial actions were detailed in the source, and the senator’s statements remain a political critique rather than a formal procedural challenge.