By Isaac Mission
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State has criticised Governor Peter Mbah’s administration over what it described as an excessive tax regime, alleging that the policies have placed additional pressure on residents and businesses.
The party made the allegations in a statement issued by its Media Team and signed by Paul Anigbogu as the ADC commenced its campaign activities ahead of the 2027 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.
According to the opposition party, the tax policies introduced by the Mbah administration represent an unprecedented financial burden on residents, particularly those still grappling with the economic effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The ADC also accused the state government of using urban renewal projects as a basis for large-scale demolitions in Enugu and Nsukka.
It cited the demolition of Old Park in Enugu and Ogige Market in Nsukka, alleging that the exercises displaced numerous traders and negatively affected livelihoods.
The party further claimed that taxes, utility charges, business premises levies and property-related rates had risen considerably, arguing that the increases were placing businesses and households under further financial strain.
The ADC said the administration had failed to create sufficient economic opportunities for residents while simultaneously increasing the financial obligations imposed on them.
The opposition party also questioned the recent unveiling of a book highlighting the projects and achievements of the Mbah administration, describing the event as a publicity exercise ahead of the 2027 elections.
It argued that an administration whose projects had significantly transformed the lives of residents should not need to rely heavily on publications to showcase its accomplishments.
On the issue of water supply, the ADC alleged that Governor Mbah had yet to fulfil his campaign promise to restore potable water in Enugu within 180 days of taking office.
The party maintained that residents continued to experience water shortages more than three years after the governor assumed office.
The ADC also expressed concerns about several projects associated with the administration, including smart schools, Type-3 hospitals and road construction, alleging that some had not met expected standards.
It further questioned the amount of public money reportedly spent on the projects.
According to the party, more than N1 trillion in federal allocations and internally generated revenue had accrued to Enugu State since Mbah became governor in May 2023.
The ADC also raised questions about an alleged N5 billion contract connected to the smart school programme. It claimed that a contractor reportedly abandoned the project and refunded about N1 billion, while demanding clarification on the use of the remaining funds.
The party questioned why the smart schools had not attracted widespread enrolment if, according to the government, the projects had delivered the intended benefits.
The allegations by the ADC reflect the growing political contest in Enugu ahead of the 2027 elections, with the opposition party positioning itself to challenge the performance record of the incumbent administration.