Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has publicly criticized former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for spreading what he described as 'egregious lies' regarding Nigeria’s new Tax Act. The conflict has arisen from a viral video where Amaechi expressed concerns over severe economic consequences if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were to win the upcoming 2027 elections. In his statements, Amaechi claimed that the implementation of new tax laws could dramatically inflate costs for citizens, impacting everything from construction to rental prices.

Amaechi specifically warned that the Tax Act would impose significant financial burdens on many Nigerians, suggesting that substantial deductions would be made from building costs, which would ultimately lead to increases in the prices of homes and rent. For instance, the claim stipulates that if someone was paid 100 million Naira for construction materials, 25 million Naira would be deducted. Landlords, in response to these tax increases, might transfer the additional costs to renters, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.

The presidency's pushback highlights the nation's growing political tension and the stakes of the upcoming elections. As the APC seeks to maintain its influence, any opposition narrative regarding economic policies is met with fierce rebuttals, signaling the heightened importance of credibility and public perception in the lead-up to 2027. The allegations made by Amaechi have sparked conversations regarding fiscal responsibility and governance, as well as the implications of tax law for everyday Nigerians.