ENUGU — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State has accused Governor Peter Mbah’s administration of imposing what it described as an excessive financial burden on residents and businesses across the state.

The party made the allegations in a statement signed by Paul Anigbogu on behalf of the ADC Media Team to mark the commencement of its campaign for the 2027 governorship and House of Assembly elections in Enugu State.

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According to the ADC, the Mbah administration has introduced what it described as a “ruthless and inhuman tax regime”, which it claimed was unprecedented in the state’s 35-year history.

The opposition party also accused the state government of carrying out large-scale demolitions in Enugu and Nsukka under the guise of urban renewal, alleging that the exercise negatively affected businesses and livelihoods.

The ADC specifically cited the demolition of Old Park in Enugu and Ogige Market in Nsukka, claiming that hundreds of traders were displaced as a result of the exercises.

The party further alleged that following the demolitions, taxes, utility charges, business premises fees and property-related levies were significantly increased, placing additional pressure on residents and businesses.

“Mbah’s government, rather than create wealth, created misery everywhere in Enugu State by imposing a heavy tax burden on the people who have been struggling since May 29, 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy in his inauguration speech.

“We have never seen a government like that of Mbah,” the party said.

The ADC also questioned the governor’s decision to unveil a book documenting projects and milestones recorded by his administration.

The party argued that if the projects had substantially improved the lives of residents, there would have been little need to commit public resources to documenting and promoting them in a book.

“If he executed projects that impacted the lives of the people positively, there was no need for him to spend the limited resources of the state to advertise them in a book,” the ADC said.

The opposition party further accused Governor Mbah of failing to fulfil his 2023 campaign promise to restore potable water supply in Enugu within 180 days of assuming office.

The allegations form part of the ADC’s campaign messaging as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

The party said it intends to use the campaign period to present its alternative policy proposals to voters and scrutinise the performance of the incumbent administration.

The claims by the ADC represent the position of the opposition party, and the governor and Enugu State Government have not, in the statement provided, responded to the specific allegations.