The PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State also promises tax relief and industrial development if elected in 2027.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Nnaji, has promised to rebuild demolished markets and provide free shops to affected traders if elected governor in 2027.
Mr Nnaji made the pledge while receiving a coalition of interest groups, including traders and artisans displaced from Gariki Market, at his campaign office in Enugu.
The delegation also included leaders of the Arewa Northern Forum, members of the Inter-Faith Council and representatives of non-indigenous communities in the state.
The groups expressed concern over the hardship allegedly caused by market demolitions, multiple taxation and difficulties in securing alternative trading spaces.
Responding, Mr Nnaji said his administration would review the circumstances surrounding the demolitions and prioritise restoring the livelihoods of affected traders.
He said the government would use public funds to construct replacement markets and allocate shops to their original owners without charge, subject to the resources available.
“My intention is to use public resources to build the markets and give the shops to their original owners free of charge,” he said.
However, Mr Nnaji acknowledged that financial constraints could affect the implementation of the plan, adding that a phased arrangement involving minimal payments might be considered to accommodate all affected traders.
He maintained that rebuilding the demolished markets would be among his administration’s priorities if elected.
Tax relief for traders
The PDP candidate also promised to review Enugu State’s tax regime and abolish what he described as excessive and exploitative taxes imposed on traders and small business owners.
He said the party’s proposed slogan, “No More Tax”, reflected its commitment to easing the financial burden on residents and business operators.
“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.
Mr Nnaji further pledged to address disputes involving filling stations located on land intended for markets.
He said his administration would explore relocating such facilities to alternative sites to make way for trading activities to resume.
Industrialisation and job creation
Beyond the market reconstruction plan, Mr Nnaji outlined an industrialisation agenda centred on developing industries in the oil, cement, iron ore and steel sectors.
He said the proposed industries would generate employment, stimulate economic activity and improve living conditions across the state.
The candidate also disclosed that his administration was considering free medical care for elderly residents, although the qualifying age, expected to be between 65 and 70, had yet to be finalised.
He said his ambition was to establish a foundation for economic growth and create better opportunities for young people in Enugu State.
Coalition raises concerns
Earlier, the leader of the Arewa Northern Forum, Innocent Iwual, said members of the northern community had participated in previous elections but were disappointed by what he described as unfulfilled political promises.
Mr Iwual urged politicians to recognise the contributions of non-indigenes to the state’s economic and political development and ensure their concerns were addressed.
He also expressed the group’s support for Mr Nnaji’s candidacy.
A PDP chieftain, Chief Basil Ani, said the meeting brought together traders affected by market demolitions, their families and representatives of non-indigenous communities to discuss their concerns and express support for the candidate.
Mr Nnaji’s proposals come ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State. The proposed free shops, tax relief and industrialisation programme remain campaign commitments that would depend on his election and subsequent implementation.
