Ohaa made the allegations on Saturday during the flag-off of his campaign for the 2027 governorship election, where he unveiled his political agenda, tagged the Enugu Rescue Mission.
The former federal permanent secretary said the state’s economic environment had become increasingly difficult for vulnerable residents, property owners, traders, artisans, transport operators and small business owners.
He alleged that some government infrastructure and urban renewal projects had disrupted established economic activities without adequate compensation or alternative spaces for affected businesses.
“Today, the APC government in Enugu State has destroyed the thriving economic ecosystems that have sustained generations of Ndi Enugu,” Ohaa said.
He argued that urban renewal initiatives, taxation policies and land acquisition practices had imposed disproportionate burdens on residents, resulting in displacement and loss of livelihoods.
According to him, development projects should improve living conditions without undermining the economic survival of the people they are intended to benefit.
Ohaa Alleges Abuse of Land Acquisition Powers
The NDC candidate expressed concern over the alleged use of overriding public interest as justification for acquiring private property without adequate consultation, independent valuation and prompt compensation.
He maintained that statutory land acquisition procedures must be followed transparently to protect property owners and prevent disputes between government and citizens.
“Government is taking over people’s property without independent valuation, transparent public hearings and immediate fair compensation. Statutory acquisition now devolves into displacement and land grabbing,” he alleged.
Ohaa said an administration under his leadership would prioritise transparency and accountability in land administration, particularly where government projects affect homes, businesses and established commercial activities.
He argued that urban development should be accompanied by measures to protect livelihoods and ensure that residents affected by public projects are treated fairly.
The allegations form part of his broader criticism of the Mbah administration. The claims were made by the opposition candidate during his campaign address and were not independently established in the information available.
Questions Government’s Fiscal Management
Ohaa also questioned the state government’s management of public finances and its approach to public-private partnership arrangements.
He claimed that Enugu State received approximately ₦468 billion in federal allocations between June 2023 and August 2026, yet remained among the states with substantial debt obligations.
Describing himself as a trained accountant, the NDC candidate promised to review the state’s finances and examine public procurement processes if elected.
“As a trained accountant, I say this clearly: Enugu is suffering from a lack of fiscal discipline. We will open the books, audit all opaque Public-Private Partnerships and restore integrity to public procurement,” he said.
He pledged to make government spending more transparent and ensure that public resources were directed towards projects that deliver measurable benefits to residents.
Ohaa’s proposed review would include public-private partnership agreements he considers insufficiently transparent, with the stated objective of improving accountability and public confidence in government expenditure.
Promises Relief from Taxes and Daily Levies
The NDC candidate also promised to abolish what he described as punitive taxes and daily levies affecting market women, artisans, small vendors, transport operators, tenants and property owners.
He said his administration would end the taxation of informal micro-businesses and families experiencing bereavement, arguing that government revenue policies should not impose excessive hardship on people struggling to earn a living.
Ohaa maintained that small businesses and informal-sector workers should be supported to grow rather than burdened by multiple levies that reduce their earnings.
He presented tax reform as a central component of his proposed economic recovery programme, promising a system that balances the state’s revenue needs with the financial circumstances of ordinary residents.
Promises to Clear Outstanding Retirees’ Gratuities
Ohaa expressed concern over the reported backlog of gratuities owed to retired workers in Enugu State.
He cited an August 2026 statement by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Enugu State Council, which reportedly indicated that some retirees were still awaiting gratuities dating back to 2010, with certain outstanding payments dating to 2006.
He described the situation as a matter requiring urgent attention, arguing that retired public servants should not be left without their entitlements after years of service.
To address the issue, he proposed a Retirees’ Dignity and Gratuity Recovery Programme, a Gratuity Redemption Fund and a Retirement Benefits Processing Centre.
The candidate pledged to clear outstanding gratuities within 24 months if elected, although the funding arrangements and implementation details of the proposal were not fully outlined in the reported address.
Unveils Seven-Pillar Development Agenda
At the campaign launch, Ohaa presented a seven-pillar agenda covering governance reform, youth development, security, agriculture and industrialisation, energy and infrastructure, housing, and local government autonomy.
The proposed priorities include reclaiming and resetting governance, creating opportunities for young people through skills development, strengthening security across the state, promoting agro-industrial growth and expanding access to credit.
Other pillars focus on decentralised energy and infrastructure, affordable housing partnerships and greater autonomy for local governments.
Ohaa identified industrialisation, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply and security as essential priorities for his proposed administration.
He argued that economic recovery would require coordinated investment in infrastructure, productive enterprises and public services, alongside reforms aimed at improving accountability.
Pledges to Serve One Term
In a notable political commitment, Ohaa pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected governor in 2027.
He said the promise was intended to demonstrate that his ambition was driven by public service rather than a desire to remain in office.
“To demonstrate that this mission is born out of pure service and not personal ambition, I unequivocally pledge to serve a single term of four years,” he said.
He also promised to hand over power through a peaceful election in accordance with the state’s zoning formula.
The pledge formed part of his appeal for political support as he presented himself as a candidate seeking to reform governance and address concerns over taxation, land administration and public expenditure.
Calls for Unity Within NDC
Ohaa extended an olive branch to other aspirants within the NDC, saying the party should avoid divisions as it prepares for the election.
He disclosed that a reconciliation committee had been established to bring different voices together and promote cooperation within the party.
He also thanked the NDC’s national leadership for selecting Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
“Let us stand united. Join hands with me, with Mr Peter Obi, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso and our entire NDC team as we march into the Lion Building to build a safe, productive and prosperous Enugu State,” Ohaa said.
With the 2027 governorship election approaching, Ohaa’s campaign is placing land administration, taxation, public finance, retirees’ welfare and economic development at the centre of its message.
His proposals and allegations are likely to feature in the political debate as voters assess the records, policies and commitments of the candidates seeking to govern Enugu State.
