The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party have thrown their weight behind a proposed bill aimed at preventing politicians guilty of tax evasion from running for elective positions in Nigeria.
The endorsement comes following an announcement by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, revealing plans to present the bill in the National Assembly. Oyedele highlighted the necessity of amending existing tax laws to ensure compliance among politicians and to curb tax default.
During the 2024 strategic retreat for staff of the Joint Tax Board, Oyedele revealed the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a national tax amnesty program, aiming to address tax-related issues comprehensively. This initiative signifies a proactive approach towards enhancing tax compliance and minimizing evasion, potentially fostering a more transparent fiscal environment.
Despite ongoing debates regarding tax obligations and party membership dues in electoral processes, Nigeria’s constitution does not expressly require tax compliance as a prerequisite for candidacy. This absence of a clear mandate raises questions about the intersection of taxation and political eligibility, sparking discussions about potential reforms to strengthen accountability measures within the country’s electoral framework.
In response to the development, Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, lauded the initiative, stressing the significance of holding aspiring officeholders accountable. Duru underscored tax evasion as a grave offense, essential for fostering citizen-state accountability and driving infrastructural development. Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, Chief Spokesman of the Labour Party Campaign Organisation, voiced support for the bill but expressed apprehensions regarding its enforcement. Tanko emphasized the imperative of rigorous implementation to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
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