Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has raised critical questions about Nigeria’s tax system, calling for greater accountability and a focus on citizens’ welfare.
Speaking during a public engagement, Adebayo criticized the ongoing debates on tax reforms as disconnected from the realities faced by Nigerians.
“The issue is not just about new tax bills but about accountability for the trillions already collected. Before introducing new taxes, let us ask: where is the money from petroleum, solid minerals, and other sources?” Adebayo queried.

Adebayo also expressed concern about the increasing tax burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly with value-added tax (VAT) hikes on essential goods.
“The poor are being squeezed while the political class enjoys extravagance. Raising taxes on essentials is unjust when previous revenues remain unaccounted for,” he said.

Adebayo highlighted the gap between revenue collection and public service delivery, noting that while the government collects significant sums daily, the average Nigerian continues to struggle.
“Every day, the government collects more money than some West African nations generate in a year. Yet, Nigerians remain hungry and underserved. Where is the transparency?” he asked.
He criticized the focus on intergovernmental tussles over tax revenues, describing it as irrelevant to the suffering masses.
“The debate over whether Abuja or state governments should hold more tax revenue is a fight among the elite. Nigerians care about results, better schools, healthcare, and roads not about who controls the funds,” he added.

Adebayo urged the government to revisit constitutional principles designed to guide the allocation and utilization of resources. He emphasized the need for a leadership ethos that prioritizes public welfare over personal gain.
“The Constitution provides a framework for equitable governance, but it is being ignored. Leaders must redirect funds toward improving lives, not luxuries,” he stated.
He urged citizens to demand accountability, noting that sustainable development requires ethical governance and effective resource utilization.
“Nigerians must not only ask for better policies but ensure their leaders are accountable. The focus should be on meeting citizens’ basic needs, not enriching a select few,” he concluded.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for expelling House of Representatives member Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, accusing the party of being hypocritical and dysfunctional.
Adeyanju questioned the party’s decision to expel Ugochinyere for alleged indiscipline and anti-party activities while allowing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain a member despite his controversial actions.
In a post on X, Adeyanju stated, “Ikenga Ugochinyere, the courageous one, has been expelled for anti-party by APC moles who are in charge of PDP, but Wike is still a member of the PDP. The jokes write themselves daily. The PDP is a dead party awaiting funeral rites.”
His comments reflect growing disillusionment with the PDP’s internal dynamics, as the party struggles with leadership issues and public perception. Ugochinyere’s expulsion, following a report by the party’s disciplinary committee, has sparked further criticism, with many questioning the party’s commitment to fairness and consistency in handling its members.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the House of Representatives member for Ideato North/Ideato South in Imo State, over serious allegations of indiscipline and anti-party behavior.

In a letter issued on December 5, 2024, the Ideato LGA chapter of the PDP announced Ugochinyere’s expulsion, citing his failure to adhere to party norms. According to the disciplinary committee’s report, Ugochinyere was found guilty of a series of offenses, including neglecting to attend party meetings, spreading unauthorized information about internal disputes, and establishing rival party structures at the ward, LGA, and national levels. His repeated public criticisms and derogatory statements against the party and its leaders were also flagged as actions that harmed the party’s image.

This decision follows a suspension issued earlier in October 2024, after Ugochinyere failed to respond to disciplinary summons. The party leadership emphasized that his actions were in clear violation of PDP’s constitution, leading to his expulsion with immediate effect. Ugochinyere is now officially no longer a member of the PDP.