Members of a group organizing a demonstration against the new tax rules on January 20, 2026, are split by allegations of a bribe of ₦300 million.
This comes after a faction demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) look into the bribery claims and accused the group’s leadership of planning to conceal themselves during the demonstration in order to stir up trouble.
Thus, the group demanded that the anti-tax laws demonstration be called off, claiming that the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) was funding it to stir up trouble, according to the Daily Independent.
In a statement, Mustapha Abudulahi, the leader of the factional group, urged security forces to detain the leader of the planned protest on January 20, 2026, in order to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
According to Abudulahi, his branch split off from the main organization after learning that the planned protest was funded by ADC with the intention of overthrowing the current government by causing chaos and creating unrest.
“After the Tax Reforms laws’ implementation began on January 1, 2026, we have split off from the organization that had planned to protest them on January 20, 2026. Our choice is motivated by grave worries.
First, we have learned that some of our members have been deceived and have received a bribe totaling an astounding N300 million. As a result, we urge the EFCC to look into this.
Second, we have discovered to our dismay that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition coalition, is influencing and funding the group’s leadership with the express intent of producing chaos and disturbance in public.
After realizing they would not have a major influence in the general election in 2027, we have solid information that the ADC views this as a chance to sow chaos that could result in a regime change.
In light of this, we urge security services to detain and prosecute the movement’s head and his associates.
“At first, we joined the fight with the only goal of persuading the government to reconsider the laws as they impact ordinary Nigerians who are already suffering greatly from the economic realities of the day.
We have already retracted our request for the EFFC and security services to look into and prosecute them for bribery and violence-instigation, however, as some of our members have turned it into a money-spinning scheme and political patronage.
Our decision to leave the demonstration is an appeal for solidarity, maturity, and patriotism. Collective sacrifice and appropriate civic engagement are necessary for Nigeria’s economic revival.
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