Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has once again said the tax law which took effect on January 1, 2026, should be put on hold.
Posting on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor said that Nigeria cannot afford to place further burdens on its already struggling citizens.
Obi opined that taxation transcends mere fiscal policy and that it represents a social contract between the government and its citizens, urging the government not to enforce a social contract that is not understood or trusted.
He contended that globally, tax policies are justified by delivering tangible benefits to citizens: improved healthcare, better educational systems, job opportunities, infrastructure development, and social safety nets, emphasising that this is what the social contract signifies.
Obi said without trust, taxation looks like punishment, without clarity, it breeds confusion and without evident public value, it amounts to robbery.
He added that Nigeria cannot afford to place further burdens on its already struggling citizens, calling on the government to listen, communicate effectively, and prioritise building of national consensus.
