ENUGU, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate for Enugu State, Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma, has pledged to reduce the tax and levy burden on residents and small businesses by 50 per cent if elected in 2027, describing the current taxation regime as unfair to ordinary citizens struggling to make a living.
Chukwuma made the pledge on Saturday during an interactive session with the leadership of transport unions in Enugu, where he outlined his economic agenda under his “Redefining Governance” platform. He said the engagement with transporters was part of his commitment to listening to the concerns of everyday people and developing policies that respond to their realities.
The ADC candidate said taxation is not inherently bad, but insisted that it must be fair, responsible, and purposeful. He questioned the logic of imposing heavy taxes and levies on low-income earners such as barrow pushers, hawkers, petty traders, and artisans who are already struggling to survive.
“Why should a barrow pusher, hawker, petty trader or low-income earner who is struggling every day to survive be subjected to a tax and levy burden that makes life even more difficult?” Chukwuma asked. “Taxation must be progressive and humane. It must not become a weapon against the poor.”
He explained that his administration would provide a 50 per cent relief on the current tax and levy burden affecting residents and small businesses across the state. He said the reduction would be implemented in a transparent and structured manner, ensuring that no revenue-generating agency is allowed to arbitrarily impose levies that are not backed by law.
Beyond the tax relief, Chukwuma emphasised the importance of accountability in the use of public funds. He stated that revenue generated through taxation must be responsibly deployed to areas of high priority that improve lives and drive development, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
“When Ndi Enugu pay their taxes, they must also see the value of those contributions in their communities. Pay your tax, yes. But government must also give back to the people. That is the social contract,” he stated.
Chukwuma said his vision of Redefined Governance was about a government that listens, understands the struggles of its people, and makes decisions that put the welfare and development of Ndi Enugu first. He promised to run an administration that would be accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people.
The leadership of the transport unions welcomed the tax relief pledge, describing it as a timely intervention that would bring relief to their members. They noted that multiple taxation and arbitrary levies had made it increasingly difficult for transporters to operate profitably in the state. They urged the ADC candidate to ensure that the policy is implemented transparently if elected.
Chukwuma also outlined other elements of his economic agenda, including support for small and medium enterprises, investment in rural infrastructure, and the promotion of agriculture and local production. He said his administration would create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, thereby expanding the state’s tax base without overtaxing the poor.
The ADC candidate’s pledge adds to the growing debate over tax policy in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. With the incumbent administration facing criticism over the burden of multiple taxation, Chukwuma’s promise of tax relief and accountability is likely to resonate with voters, particularly small business owners and low-income earners who form the backbone of the state’s informal economy.
