2027: Abia Is Not Poor, But Poorly Managed — PDP Governorship Candidate Kelechi Anosike Unveils Welfare-Driven Blueprint, Vows to Restore Hope
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Abia State governorship election, Barr. Kelechi Anosike, PhD, has launched a scathing attack on the administration of Governor Alex Otti, describing the state’s performance as grossly inadequate despite the huge financial allocations received from the Federal Government.
Speaking during a no-holds-barred media parley held at the Party Secretariat in Umuahia, Anosike maintained that the level of development in Abia is not commensurate with the enormous resources available to the state.
“Abia is not poor but poorly managed,” he declared, insisting that good governance should be measured not only by infrastructure but also by the welfare and development of the people.
According to him, the PDP has undergone a complete transformation and is now stronger, more united and more formidable than ever 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.
Anosike, who disclosed that he joined the PDP in 2005 and is also an author and publisher, described himself as a man of integrity and a committed welfarist whose administration would put the people first in every policy decision.
“A good man gets power and power becomes good, but when a bad man gets power, power becomes bad,” he stated.
Explaining what distinguishes him from other governorship contenders, Anosike said his philosophy of governance revolves around human welfare.
“I am a welfarist. Government must care for everyone. Everyone deserves the reward for their labour, and every policy we make will have human consideration at its centre.”
He promised to clear alll
outstanding promotional arrears owed to civil servants whose salaries remained stagnant despite their promotions.
He also pledged to review the cases of civil servants who were allegedly retired prematurely before attaining the statutory retirement age, with a view to restoring justice.
The PDP Gubernatorial candidate further promised to reinstate about 10,000 civil servants whom he claimed were unjustly disengaged by the present administration after reviewing the circumstances surrounding their appointments and disengagement.
To improve workers’ welfare, Anosike said his administration would introduce car loan schemes for civil servants, provide affordable retirement homes and review the state’s salary structure, promising that ₦90,000 would be the minimum wage under his government.
He equally pledged to establish a Civil Service College where public servants would undergo periodic training and retraining to improve efficiency and productivity.
According to him, true development goes beyond constructing roads and buildings.
“Government should not be measured only by infrastructure. Building the people is equally important. A welfarist believes in holistic development.”
Responding to questions about his role during previous PDP administrations and why he did not publicly criticize perceived shortcomings, Anosike argued that past governments operated under severe financial constraints.
He noted that previous administrations received about ₦3.5 billion monthly from the Federation Account, making it difficult to execute major developmental projects.
He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increasing revenue available to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that governors now receive substantially higher allocations.
“Before President Tinubu’s emergence, many governors had to borrow from banks just to pay salaries. Today, enough funds are available. The difference between one state and another is management, and unfortunately Abia is poorly managed,” he said.
On economic development, Anosike promised to revive moribund industries across the state and establish new cottage industries to create employment opportunities.
He said his administration would also prioritise agriculture, drawing inspiration from the development philosophy of the late Dr. M.I. Okpara, the former Premier of the Eastern Region, who championed industrialization and agricultural revolution.
“Our philosophy aligns with that of Dr. M.I. Okpara. Agriculture and industrialisation will receive priority attention to guarantee food security, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.”
He further promised to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through entrepreneurship grants and other intervention programmes aimed at boosting the state’s economy.
On security, Anosike assured residents that security votes would be transparently utilised to protect lives and property across the state.
He also announced plans to establish the Abia State Informal Sector Regulatory and Development Agency (ABSIRDA) to regulate and develop artisans such as plumbers, electricians, mechanics, technicians and other skilled craftsmen, while exposing them to international opportunities and improving their professional standards.
The PDP governorship candidate reiterated that he is a man who keeps his promises and expressed confidence that the party remains the strongest political platform in Abia ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“Our party is united, formidable and ready to take over the government in 2027,” he declared.
Present at the media parley were the Abia State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, and the State Vice Chairman, Enyinnaya Appolos, alongside other party leaders and members.
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