Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party have given their backing to a proposed bill aimed at disqualifying politicians guilty of tax evasion from contesting elective positions in Nigeria.
The move comes following an announcement by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, revealing plans to introduce the bill in the National Assembly. Oyedele also mentioned intentions to amend existing tax laws to ensure political class compliance and deter default.
During a strategic retreat for Joint Tax Board staff, Oyedele highlighted the Federal Government’s plan to establish a national tax amnesty program, aiming to address tax evasion concerns.
Tax compliance, often a contentious issue during elections, lacks explicit mention as a qualification criterion in the constitution, as conceded by Oyedele.
Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing tax evasion’s severity and the need for accountability among officeholders.
Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, Chief Spokesman of the Labour Party Campaign Organisation, voiced support for the bill but raised concerns about enforcement, advocating for stricter implementation of existing laws to ensure electoral candidates’ integrity.
