A nationwide protest against Nigeria's recently implemented tax reforms has been thrown into chaos and effectively cancelled following explosive allegations of a N300 million bribe and political hijacking. The demonstration, which was scheduled for January 20, 2026, has collapsed due to a severe internal rift.
Faction Alleges Financial Inducement, Calls for EFCC Action
A breakaway faction of the anti-tax movement, led by Mustapha Abdulahi, has publicly withdrawn and made serious accusations against the protest's leadership. In a detailed statement, Abdulahi claimed that the core organisers had misled members and received a substantial bribe totalling N300 million.
"Our decision to break away is based on serious concerns," Abdulahi stated. He directly called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an immediate investigation into the financial allegations. The faction urged security agencies to arrest the main organisers to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order that the now-suspicious protest might cause.
Accusations of Political Hijacking by Opposition Party
Beyond the bribery claims, Abdulahi's faction levelled a serious political accusation. They alleged that the protest leadership was being sponsored by the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to the faction, the ADC, foreseeing a poor impact in the upcoming 2027 general elections, saw the protest as an opportunity to create public disorder and potentially trigger a regime change.
"We have it on good authority that the ADC sees this as an opportunity to create anarchy," Abdulahi said. He called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute the movement's leader and his associates for their alleged dangerous motives.
From Unity to Disarray: The Fall of a Movement
The protest was originally formed in response to the new Tax Reform laws that took effect on January 1, 2026. It aimed to persuade the government to reconsider the policies amid widespread economic hardship. The faction now distancing itself had initially supported this civic action.
However, Abdulahi declared that the movement had been completely hijacked for political and financial gain. "Our withdrawal is a call for unity, maturity, and patriotism," he said, emphasising that Nigeria's economic recovery requires responsible action, not destabilisation. He reiterated his demand for the EFCC and security agencies to investigate and prosecute all involved parties.
The cancellation marks a significant fracture within the civic movement and raises profound questions about the integrity and true motivations behind what was meant to be a public demonstration against tax policies.
