Seyi Makinde Explains Why He Will Not Impose New Taxes

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has pledged that his administration won’t impose any additional taxes.

Makinde said in a media interaction with reporters that the state has not increased taxes for more than six years.

He clarified that the goal of his government is to include more individuals in the current tax system.

He referred to the strategy as a “chicken-and-egg” situation, raising concerns about whether it is preferable to increase taxes first or foster an atmosphere that is favorable to economic expansion.

“You build a productive economy when you create a living environment that allows individuals and businesses to increase production.” You won’t be able to successfully increase revenue until then, according to Makinde.

The governor underlined that the administration’s top goal is to promote economic expansion in order to provide a stable and equitable tax system for the people of the state.

Makinde, meantime, has promised not to back President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in the state capital of Ibadan, Makinde took a jab at Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, saying that people ought to have the freedom to select their political allies.

He clarified that Wike cannot force people to make political decisions.

Makinde claims that the former governor of Rivers State announced that he would hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Tinubu in 2027 while he was at a meeting with Wike, President Tinubu, and a few other people.

Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, said he was astonished by Wike’s statement and that he would not be involved in any such schemes.

Makinde went on to say that his decision to oppose Tinubu in 2027 is based on the necessity of preserving Nigeria’s democracy, the PDP’s continued viability as a political party, and the nation’s avoidance of becoming a one-party state.

He claims that the FCT Minister offered to host the PDP for President Tinubu, not the president himself.

“I was shocked when Nyesom Wike offered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027 while I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Wike, and others,” the governor stated.

“I will not back the president in 2027, but Mike can.”