The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election in Abia State, Barr. Kelechi Anosike PHD, has pledged to implement a ₦90,000 minimum wage for civil servants if elected governor, declaring that the welfare of workers would be at the heart of his administration.
Anosike made the promise during a media parley held at the PDP State Secretariat in Umuahia, where he unveiled his blueprint for the development of Abia State. His agenda focuses on workers’ welfare, human capital development, industrialisation, agriculture, security and transparent governance.
Describing himself as a committed welfarist, the PDP flag bearer said no meaningful development could be achieved without prioritising the welfare of workers, whom he described as the engine room of government.
He assured civil servants that his administration would not only implement a ₦90,000 minimum wage but would also clear all outstanding promotional arrears owed to workers. He further promised to review the cases of civil servants allegedly retired before attaining the statutory retirement age and reinstate about 10,000 workers he claimed were unjustly disengaged by the present administration after due verification.
According to him, his government would also introduce car loan schemes for civil servants, provide affordable retirement homes and establish a Civil Service College to ensure continuous training, retraining and capacity building for workers across the state.
“The welfare of workers will be a top priority because a motivated workforce is critical to effective governance and sustainable development,” he said.
Anosike declared that the PDP had put its internal challenges behind it and emerged stronger and more united ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“The past no longer matters. Abia PDP now has a new mindset. We are focused, united and prepared to rescue the state,” he said.
The governorship candidate criticised the administration of Governor Alex Otti, arguing that despite the huge financial allocations accruing to Abia State from the Federation Account, government performance has not matched available resources.
“Abia is not poor but poorly managed,” he declared, insisting that true governance should be measured by improvements in the living standards and welfare of citizens rather than infrastructure alone.
He noted that previous administrations operated under severe financial constraints, receiving about ₦3.5 billion monthly from the Federation Account, unlike the significantly increased allocations available to states following the removal of fuel subsidy.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies that have boosted states’ revenues, Anosike maintained that prudent management and effective utilisation of public funds remain the true test of leadership.
“A good man gets power and power becomes good, but when a bad man gets power, power becomes bad,” he stated.
On economic development, Anosike promised to revive moribund industries, establish cottage industries across the state, support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through grants and intervention programmes, and reposition agriculture in line with the development philosophy of the late Dr. M.I. Okpara.
He also unveiled plans to establish the Abia State Informal Sector Regulatory and Development Agency (ABSIRDA), which he said would regulate, train and empower artisans, including mechanics, electricians, plumbers and technicians, while creating opportunities for them to access international markets and employment.
On security, the PDP governorship candidate pledged that security votes would be transparently utilised to strengthen the protection of lives and property throughout the state.
Reaffirming his confidence in the PDP’s chances in 2027, Anosike declared that the party had regained its strength and was fully prepared to reclaim Abia Government House.
Present at the media parley were the Abia State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah; the State Vice Chairman, Enyinnaya Appolos; members of the State Working Committee, and other party leaders and faithful.
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