A Key Ally Dispels Fears of IRG Rift over Tax Reforms
Oladele Oyelude, Director-General of the Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, a campaign group that supported President Bola Tinubu’s presidential bid in the 2023 elections, has dismissed attempts to use opposition to the tax reforms bill to create divisions between the North and the President ahead of the 2027 election.
Oyelude, an APC leader from Osun State, emphasized that stakeholders opposed to the bill should engage with their National Assembly representatives to address their concerns rather than stoking regional tensions. This would allow for a more collaborative approach to finding a solution.
Oyelude emphasized that the bill will prompt governors to focus on revenue generation, ultimately contributing to national development. He expressed confidence that the National Assembly would carefully consider the bill to ensure it does not lead to unnecessary divisions or negatively impact the country.
“The National Assembly will examine the bill in a way that benefits the country,” Oyelude stated. “The reform in the tax system may affect the name and a few other aspects, but it won’t be in the country’s best interest for the National Assembly to reject the Tax Reform Bill altogether.”
Oyelude also downplayed the notion that opposition to the tax reforms bill would lead to a rift between the North and President Tinubu. He argued that as the Vice President is a northerner, it would not be in the North’s best interest to oppose the President’s re-election simply due to the tax reforms bill. If the North has concerns, Oyelude suggested they should engage with their House of Representatives members and Senators to express their opposition.
