From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A coalition of traders displaced by market demolitions, leaders of the Arewa Northern Forum and other interest groups in Enugu State have declared support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji, ahead of the 2027 election.
The coalition, which also included members of the Inter-Faith Council and leaders of non-indigene communities, made their position known yesterday when they visited Nnaji at his campaign office in Enugu.
Members of the groups lamented hardship allegedly caused by market demolitions, multiple taxation and difficulties in securing trading spaces in the state.
The groups expressed disappointment over what they described as unfulfilled promises by the present administration, pledging to support Nnaji in the next governorship election.
Responding, the PDP candidate promised to rebuild demolished markets and provide free shops to affected traders if elected, saying restoring their livelihoods would be a priority.
“The essence of government is to create wealth, not to destroy people’s livelihoods or cause their deaths. If you take away a man’s or woman’s means of livelihood, you are virtually sentencing that person to death,” he said.
Nnaji said his administration would assess available resources and consider a phased approach if necessary, but maintained that he intended to begin constructing replacement markets after assuming office.
“My intention is to use public resources to build the markets and give the shops to their original owners free of charge,” he said.
He also promised to review the state’s tax regime and eliminate what he described as excessive taxes imposed on traders and small business owners.
“One of the first things we will do when we assume office is to remove these taxes so that our people can breathe fresh air once again,” he said, describing “No More Tax” as an emerging slogan of his campaign.
On economic development, Nnaji promised to pursue industrialisation in the oil, cement, iron ore and steel sectors to create jobs, while also pledging free medical care for elderly residents, with the qualifying age yet to be determined.
Earlier, the leader of the Arewa Northern Forum, Innocent Iwual, said the association, which had existed for 19 years, had members across Enugu State.
He said members of the northern community had participated in previous elections but felt let down by politicians who allegedly failed to fulfil their promises after assuming office.
“During the last election, our people came out and voted. We received a lot of promises, one after another, but eventually, we became fed up because we did not see the results we expected,” Iwual said.
He assured Nnaji of the group’s support, noting that its members were spread across political wards in the state.
Also speaking, PDP chieftain, Chief Basil Ani, said the gathering brought together displaced traders, non-indigenes and other stakeholders seeking to express solidarity with the candidate.
Ani expressed confidence that Nnaji would fulfil his promises if elected governor, citing his record as a former Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.
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