The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has promised that his administration will not introduce new taxes.
Speaking in a media chat with newsmen, Makinde asserted that the state has gone over six years without adding any tax.
He explained that his government is focused on bringing more people into the existing tax net.
He described the approach as a “chicken-and-egg” scenario, questioning whether it is better to impose taxes first or create a conducive environment for economic growth.
“When you create a living environment where people and businesses can expand production, you build a productive economy. Only then are you in a position to raise revenue effectively,” Makinde said.
The governor emphasized that the administration’s priority is fostering economic growth to ensure a sustainable and fair tax system for the state’s residents.
Meanwhile, Makinde has vowed not to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde took a swipe at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, stating that others should be allowed to freely choose who they’ll support politically.
He explained that Wike cannot dictate political choices to others.
According to Makinde, he was in a meeting with Wike, President Tinubu and a few others when the former Rivers State Governor declared that he would hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Tinubu in 2027.
The Oyo State Governor said Wike’s statement shocked him, and he (Makinde) won’t be part of such plans.
Makinde added that his resolve not to support Tinubu in 2027 hinges on the need to ensure democracy survives in Nigeria, the PDP remains a viable political party, and the country does not drift into a one-party state.
According to him, President Tinubu didn’t request Wike to hold the PDP for him, it was the FCT Minister who offered to hold the party for the president.
“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” the governor said.
“Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”