Enough Is Enough’: Makinde Reveals Reason For Rejecting New Taxes

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration will not introduce any new taxes.

Speaking during a media interaction with journalists, Makinde noted that the state has gone more than six years without imposing additional taxes. He explained that his government’s strategy is to expand the existing tax base by bringing more people into the system rather than increasing the tax burden.

The governor described the situation as a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma, questioning whether governments should raise taxes first or focus on creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

“When you create a living environment where individuals and businesses can grow and increase production, you build a productive economy. Only then can you effectively generate revenue,” Makinde said.

He stressed that his administration is prioritising economic growth as a pathway to a sustainable and equitable tax system for residents of the state.

Meanwhile, Makinde has also declared that he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the governor criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that individuals should be free to decide who they support politically.

Makinde said Wike has no right to dictate the political choices of others. He recounted a meeting involving President Tinubu, Wike, and other political figures, during which the former Rivers State governor allegedly stated that he would “hold” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Makinde, the comment left him stunned, and he made it clear that he would not be part of such an arrangement.

The governor explained that his refusal to support Tinubu in 2027 is driven by his commitment to protecting democracy, ensuring the continued relevance of the PDP, and preventing Nigeria from sliding into a one-party system.

Makinde added that President Tinubu did not ask Wike to take control of the PDP on his behalf, stressing that it was the FCT minister who volunteered the idea.

“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike offered to hold the PDP for Tinubu ahead of 2027, and I was shocked,” Makinde said.