Enugu ADC Governorship Candidate Questions Governor Mbah Over ₦188 Billion Debt, Demands Accountability

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Ocho Obodoeze, has raised concerns over the state’s rising debt profile under Governor Peter Mbah, calling for greater transparency and a shift in governance priorities ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement titled “A Call for Accountability and a New Direction,” Obodoeze urged the state government to ensure that borrowing translates into job creation and completed projects, not just media announcements.

Citing data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), he noted that Enugu’s domestic debt had risen from ₦82.5 billion inherited in 2023 to ₦188.42 billion by early 2026, representing over 128 percent growth. He warned that over-reliance on loans could jeopardise the state’s future.

Obodoeze also criticised the administration’s tax policies, saying multiple levies were suffocating small-scale traders and artisans. He argued that revenue growth should come from expanding the economic base and attracting investment, not overburdening struggling citizens.

While acknowledging Governor Mbah’s “Smart Schools” initiative as bold, the ADC candidate questioned its execution, pointing out that old school buildings in rural areas were demolished before replacements were completed, causing learning disruptions.

He further noted that recent demolitions at major commercial hubs such as Ogige Nsukka, Holy Ghost, and Garki had displaced thousands of traders without compensation.

On water supply, Obodoeze said the governor’s 180-day promise to restore urban water remained largely unfulfilled in many parts of Enugu metropolis and rural local government areas, describing water as an emergency priority.

He also raised security concerns, highlighting ongoing herder-farmer clashes in Uzo-Uwani, Isi-Uzo, Awgu, Ezeagu, and Igbo-Eze North. He stressed that agricultural investments would be futile if farmers could not safely access their lands.

Obodoeze positioned himself as a people-centred alternative, pledging that if elected, he would serve a single term focused on recovering, resetting, and building development foundations.

He promised tax relief for small businesses, removal of multiple daily levies, and a shift from cosmetic mega-projects to rural roads, cottage industries, and farm-to-market access, as well as security outposts to protect farming communities.