New Year Call to Action: YPP Urges Nigerians to Hold Leaders Accountable

Table of Contents

• New Tax Regime and Accountability
• Faith in Nigeria's Future
• The Role of Citizens in Democracy
• Fight Against Corruption
• Audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company
• Concerns Regarding the New Tax Law
• National Security Efforts
• Electoral Law Amendments

In anticipation of the new tax regime set to begin in 2026, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) has urged Nigerians to stay alert and demand accountability from their government.

The YPP conveyed this message in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale Martins, while also extending New Year wishes to the citizens.

The party encouraged the public not to lose hope in the Nigeria of their shared aspirations, despite acknowledging that the path has been challenging and often disheartening.

YPP emphasized that the nation's sovereignty should never equate to passivity or silence in the face of poor governance.

“Democracy flourishes when citizens remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable. Nigerians must begin to ask essential questions, seek answers, and closely examine public spending, particularly with the introduction of the new tax law, which is anticipated to expand the tax base and significantly increase government revenue,” the statement read.

“Increased revenue without transparency, accountability, and prudence will only exacerbate public distrust and hardship.”

The party urged Nigerians not to be disheartened by past electoral experiences, emphasizing that “citizens must mobilize like never before in this crucial election year to reclaim their power at the polls in 2027 and vote out incompetent, corrupt, and insensitive leadership. The future of our democracy relies on active participation, not indifference.”

Additionally, YPP issued a strong warning against the misuse of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-corruption agencies against political adversaries.

“The battle against corruption must be genuine, impartial, and free from political bias. Selective justice undermines institutions and diminishes public trust in governance,” it stated.

The party also called for an immediate forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited “to clarify the troubling mystery surrounding the unaccounted $40 billion reportedly identified in its records.”

It noted: “This astonishing amount is nearly equivalent to Nigeria’s foreign reserves and must be addressed with the highest urgency, transparency, and seriousness in the national interest.”

Regarding the new tax law, YPP stressed that Nigeria's primary challenge has never been revenue generation, but rather the reckless, wasteful, and opaque spending of public funds.

“Nigerians do not oppose paying taxes; instead, they are profoundly concerned about the lack of transparency, integrity, and discipline in the management of our collective resources.”

“It is unacceptable for taxpayers’ money to be used for funding religious pilgrimages, purchasing private jets and yachts, acquiring luxury SUVs for National Assembly members, and sustaining the extravagant lifestyles of a careless political elite.”

“We therefore urge the government to promptly resolve all discrepancies associated with the new tax law before its implementation.”

“Most importantly, those responsible for these discrepancies, which represent a severe violation of democratic governance, must be thoroughly investigated, apprehended, and punished according to the law,” the party asserted.

On national security, YPP recognized and praised the renewed commitment to addressing insecurity across the nation, particularly following the recent international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges.

“We also commend the recent airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State conducted by the United States in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces,” it added.

Regarding the ongoing electoral law amendment process, YPP called on the National Assembly to carefully consider all stakeholder recommendations and ensure the swift passage of a credible and people-oriented electoral framework.