APC Leader Says North Will Support Tinubu Despite Tax Reform Bill

Oladele Oyelude, the Director-General of the Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, has expressed confidence that the North will not oppose President Bola Tinubu’s re-election over the controversial tax reform bill. This statement comes as tensions rise regarding the proposed reforms that are aimed at enhancing the nation’s revenue generation.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Saturday, Oyelude, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, addressed concerns from various quarters about the potential fallout from the tax reform bill. He urged opponents of the bill to take their grievances to their National Assembly representatives rather than attempting to pit the North against Tinubu.

“The National Assembly will examine the bill in a way that it won’t lead to disintegration,” Oyelude stated. He emphasized that the reforms are crucial for the country’s development and that the concerns regarding the bill’s content could be resolved through discussions in the National Assembly.

Oyelude explained that the tax system’s reform aims to improve revenue generation and hold governors accountable for their financial responsibilities. He remarked, “The reform in the tax system will affect the name and a few other things about the tax system. It won’t be in the best interest of the country for the National Assembly to throw out the Tax Reform Bill.”

He also pointed out the significance of regional representation, indicating that the North would not act against Tinubu’s interests, especially considering that a northerner, Kashim Shettima, serves as Vice President. “I believe the North won’t oppose Tinubu’s re-election because of the tax reform bill,” he affirmed. “The fate of the bill will be decided by the National Assembly.”

In a further appeal for unity, Oyelude encouraged northern lawmakers who feel the tax reform bill is detrimental to the region to voice their concerns through proper legislative channels. “If the North feels the bill is not good enough, they should pass their resolution against it through their House of Representatives members and their Senators,” he advised.