The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) have thrown their support behind a proposed bill that would prohibit politicians accused of tax cheating from standing for electoral office in the country.
The support for the bill follows Friday’s declaration by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, that the executive bill will be enacted in the National Assembly.
Oyedele also stated that an update to the current tax law will be submitted to the National Assembly in order to ensure tax compliance and prevent political default.
The economist, who said this while speaking at the 2024 strategic conference for personnel of the Joint Tax Board, added that the Federal Government intended to set up a national tax amnesty initiative.
The subject of tax and party membership dues is a continual source of contention throughout every major election, as politicians attempt to outwit one another.
However, Oyedele conceded that the argument is weak because the constitution does not clearly include tax compliance as a qualification condition.
Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, praised the news in an exclusive chat with our correspondent on Sunday.
Duru emphasised that tax evasion is a serious crime in any country and that it is one of the tools that people may use to hold potential political officeholders accountable.
He said, “In any case, this is not something that should be up for discussion. It is a civic responsibility. If you pay tax, you are now in a position to demand that the government use it for the betterment of the citizens and the improvement of infrastructure and facilities.
“Tax evasion is one of the highest crimes in the world. This is just one of those measures being considered to ensure citizens don’t inculcate the habit of being accountable and holding the state accountable. It is another way of ensuring that people are prevented from taking advantage of the state, as it is happening in the country today.
“The highest crime you can commit against a state is not paying your tax. So it should not just be about people going for elective office.”
Yunusa Tanko, Chief Spokesman for the Labour Party Campaign Organisation, echoed Duru’s sentiment in support of the bill.
But Tanko voiced concern that, while the bill appears encouraging, the FG may be unable to enforce it.
“The need to bar politicians who are found wanting is something we need to do in our recruitment process. Even before it is presented to the National Assembly, it has already been established as a fact. After all, the law says that if you have been convicted, you cannot stand for election.
“The only thing we have not been able to do is enforce it. This is because anybody can come and raise a bill on anything. But we often fail to enforce that particular law.
“What we actually need is enforcement of the law so that, at the end of it all, we are left with clean people who can run for office.”
