Former Federal Permanent Secretary and veteran accountant, Sir Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, has formally launched his gubernatorial campaign under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming 2027 Enugu State election.
During the flag-off ceremony, Ohaa introduced what he designated as the “Enugu Rescue Mission,” launching sharp criticisms against the incumbent state administration over punitive taxation policies, uncompensated land seizures, and opaque public-private partnerships. In a notable commitment to prioritize selfless leadership, Ohaa made a public pledge to serve only a single four-year term, thereby respecting the established zoning arrangement in Enugu State.
Declaring an end to fiscal recklessness and oppressive governance before an assembly of grassroots supporters and party members, Ohaa asserted that his candidacy is a crucial intervention aimed at reclaiming the state for its residents through transparent, realistic, and issues-driven governance.
Opening his remarks, Ohaa expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the NDC, acknowledging key figures such as Mr. Peter Obi and Engr. Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. He also thanked diverse grassroots networks, including the Obidient Movement, the Kwankwasiya Movement, the Odalije Movements, various student unions, and ward structures.
The NDC candidate criticized the administration’s economic and urban initiatives, accusing officials of disrupting local enterprise ecosystems and executing property acquisitions without providing fair compensation to affected citizens. He pointed out that misguided urban renewal plans, aggressive tax burdens, and government land grabs have severely impacted vulnerable populations, property owners, informal workers, and small business operators. Furthermore, Ohaa noted that valuable public assets have been tied up in opaque partnership agreements that primarily benefit a small political elite while passing the losses onto the public.
Laying out his immediate governance blueprint, Ohaa promised several critical structural reforms upon assumption of office. He vowed to completely eliminate burdensome daily fees imposed on market vendors, artisans, transport operators, and small business owners. Drawing on his expertise as a trained accountant, Ohaa questioned how Enugu State managed roughly ₦468 billion in federal allocations between June 2023 and August 2026 alongside internal revenues, yet remains heavily indebted, promising open-book management and thorough financial audits.
Highlighting situations where retirees receive as little as ₦400 monthly with unpaid arrears stretching back to 2006, Ohaa promised a dedicated Retirees’ Dignity and Gratuity Recovery Programme, supported by a ring-fenced redemption fund to clear backlogs within 24 months, alongside a streamlined processing center. He also promised proper compensation, relocation, or market restoration for traders displaced by demolitions in Nsukka and the Enugu metropolis.
Distinguishing his political platform, Ohaa reinforced his commitment to a single term, stating that his mission stems from a dedication to public service rather than personal ambition, and pledging a peaceful transition of power after four years in line with state zoning guidelines.
Ohaa summarized his core administrative platform across seven primary focal areas, beginning with reclaiming and resetting governance to ensure total transparency through quarterly media briefings and public financial reporting. His agenda includes driving meaningful investments in human capital for youth development and skills creation, modernizing proactive community protection measures through a smart state-wide security network, and stimulating industrial clusters, small businesses, and financial access through cooperatives for agro-industrial growth and inclusive credit.
The strategy further encompasses powering rural and urban economic hubs with dependable electricity via decentralized energy and infrastructure, developing low-cost housing schemes for civil servants and low-income earners through affordable housing partnerships, and restoring full political and financial independence to local councils.
Concluding the event, Ohaa extended an invitation to fellow primary aspirants, establishing a reconciliation committee to unify all party members ahead of the 2027 electoral race.