“Vows Economic Relief for Families, Declares War on Hardship”
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, unveiling an ambitious agenda centred on industrialisation, economic relief for struggling families, and improved welfare for teachers.
Speaking shortly after securing victory at the PDP gubernatorial primary election in Enugu on Saturday, Nnaji declared that the contest was not merely about politics but about “the future of Enugu State and the kind of society we want to build for our children.”
In a conciliatory tone, the PDP flag bearer paid a tribute to fellow party member and a contender, Chief Samson Nnamani, popularly known as Alusi Akpofu, describing him as “a respected son of Enugu State” who shares the same desire for good governance and social justice.
Drawing applause from the crowd, he revealed a personal connection to his former rival’s community, noting that his maternal grandmother hailed from Akpofu.
Nnaji lamented the rising cost of living in the state, warning that stagnant salaries and shrinking incomes were placing unbearable pressure on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“Families are struggling. Small businesses are suffocating. Traders, artisans, transporters, ICT operators, welders, farmers, restaurant owners, and many hardworking citizens are under severe pressure,” he stated.
According to him, small and medium-scale enterprises remain the backbone of employment in Enugu and must be supported through business-friendly policies capable of stimulating growth and reducing economic hardship.
The PDP governorship candidate promised to collaborate with the 17 local government councils to improve the welfare of primary school teachers across the state, including what he described as “significantly enhancing their salaries and working conditions” in a sustainable manner.
“Our teachers deserve dignity,” he said.
Nnaji also vowed to review policies that he said place excessive burdens on poor and vulnerable citizens. “Government should not exist to choke the people. Government should help the people breathe,” he declared.
He, however, identified industrialisation as the central pillar of his economic agenda, insisting that Enugu must move away from overdependence on taxation and consumption-driven economics.
“Enugu cannot continue to depend mainly on consumption and taxation. We must produce. We must manufacture. We must create jobs,” he said.
He pledged to harness the state’s vast natural and economic resources — including coal, limestone, silica sand, clay, kaolin, gypsum, ironstone, agriculture, technology, and the immense strength of its human capital — to build industries capable of employing thousands of young people.
Referencing the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Okpara, Nnaji said the region once demonstrated that visionary leadership could transform an economy into a productive powerhouse.
“The Okpara era showed us that visionary leadership can transform a state or a region into an economic powerhouse. We can do it again,” he added.
He concluded by calling on party faithful and residents of the state to support what he described as a collective journey toward restoring dignity, prosperity, and opportunity in Enugu State. “Today, I ask for your support, your prayers, and your partnership as we begin the journey to restore dignity, opportunity, and prosperity to our beloved Enugu State,” he said.
