By Adeola Badru

OYO — Former Senate Leader and Oyo State Renewed Hope Ambassador for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Teslim Folarin, has called on Nigerians to remain calm, well-informed, and supportive of the ongoing tax reforms, stressing that the measures are not targeted at the poor, but are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue base and fostering sustainable national development.

Folarin made the remarks yesterday during the continuation of the 14 Federal Constituency Tour across the Irepo/Olorunsogo/Orelope and Atisbo/Saki West/Saki East Federal Constituencies.

He explained that the new tax laws are designed to improve efficiency, block revenue leakages, and reduce Nigeria’s overdependence on oil revenue. Highlighting that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest globally, Folarin noted that this limitation constrains the government’s ability to adequately fund critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security without resorting to excessive borrowing.

“The reforms are aimed at broadening the tax base rather than imposing indiscriminate increases,” he said, adding that low-income earners remain protected through existing exemptions, while higher-income individuals, large corporations, and sectors with weak compliance will bear greater responsibility.

Folarin also expressed President Tinubu’s appreciation to party members and the people of Oyo State for their support during the 2023 elections and revealed that the state APC is targeting at least a 35 percent improvement on its 2023 performance ahead of 2027.

“Institutional reforms are taking firm root, positive outcomes are emerging, the economy is stabilising, and public confidence is gradually being restored,” he stated.

Other APC leaders in attendance, including Senators Abdulfatai Buhari, Sharafadeen Alli, Ayo Adeseun, and Hosea Agboola, as well as former deputy governors Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Moses Alake, and Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, and key party figures like Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Engr. Idris Adeoye, Prof. Adeolu Akande, and Hon. Remi Oseni, urged members to maintain discipline, strengthen cohesion, and work collectively.

The leaders emphasised that the party’s success in the 2027 general elections would hinge on unity and cooperation, warning that internal rivalry could undermine the party’s prospects.

The visit underscores the APC leadership’s commitment to both institutional reforms and grassroots mobilisation in preparation for the upcoming elections.