Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Nnaji, has condemned market demolitions in the state, claiming that the loss of businesses and livelihoods has caused severe hardship for traders and their families.
Nnaji promised to rebuild demolished markets and provide replacement shops to affected traders free of charge if elected governor in the 2027 election.
The former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation made the promises on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while receiving a coalition of interest groups at his campaign office in Enugu.
The delegation included traders and artisans displaced from Gariki Market, leaders of the Arewa Northern Forum, members of the Inter-Faith Council and representatives of non-indigene communities living in the state.
The groups expressed concern over the hardship allegedly caused by market demolitions, multiple taxation and difficulties in securing alternative spaces for trading.
Speaking during the meeting, Nnaji said the loss of businesses had placed affected families under severe pressure, insisting that government policies should protect livelihoods rather than leave residents struggling to survive.
“From the experience people have had and the trauma they have gone through, I know for a fact that many people have died,” he said, referring to the hardship traders had reportedly experienced following the demolitions.
He added that losing a source of income could have devastating consequences for families that depend on daily trading to meet their basic needs.
However, Nnaji did not provide figures or supporting evidence to independently establish the number of deaths he referred to. His statement was presented as his account of the consequences of the reported hardship.
The PDP candidate said his administration would review the circumstances surrounding the demolitions and assess the needs of affected traders, with a view to constructing replacement markets and restoring their livelihoods.
“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 acknowledged, however, that the implementation of the promise would depend partly on the financial resources available to his administration.
Nnaji said a phased arrangement involving small payments might be considered if the state could not immediately provide all the replacement shops free of charge, while maintaining that accommodating displaced traders would remain a priority.
He also promised to address disputes involving filling stations situated on land intended for markets. According to him, his administration would explore relocating such facilities to alternative sites where necessary to make room for trading activities.
On taxation, the candidate pledged to review Enugu State’s tax regime and remove what he described as excessive and exploitative taxes imposed on traders and small business owners.
He said the proposed policy, which he associated with the emerging slogan “No More Tax”, was intended to ease the financial pressure on businesses and allow residents to operate under less difficult conditions.
Nnaji also outlined plans to pursue industrial development in the oil, cement, iron ore and steel sectors, arguing that investment in these industries could create jobs and stimulate economic activity.
He said industrial centres would be supported by residential estates and new urban communities designed to accommodate workers and encourage further economic growth. He expressed confidence that progress could be made within two years of taking office, although he did not provide detailed implementation plans or funding arrangements.
The candidate further disclosed that his administration was considering free medical care for elderly residents aged between 65 and 70, while indicating that the qualifying age had not been conclusively determined.
Earlier, Innocent Iwual, leader of the Arewa Northern Forum, said members of the northern community had participated in previous elections but had become discouraged by what he described as unfulfilled political promises.
Iwual urged Nnaji to recognise the contributions of non-indigenes to Enugu State’s economic and political life and ensure they were not neglected.
A PDP chieftain, Basil Ani, also addressed the gathering, which brought together traders affected by market demolitions and representatives of other interest groups expressing support for Nnaji’s candidacy.
Nnaji’s promises come as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State. The proposed measures on market reconstruction, taxation, healthcare and industrial development form part of his stated policy agenda.
The pledges remain campaign commitments rather than implemented government policies. Their delivery would depend on the election outcome, available public funds, legislative and administrative requirements, and the details of any programme subsequently adopted.
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