Anosike Pledges a Welfarist Governance for Abia State
Dr. Kelechi Anosike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Abia State, has committed to establishing a government centered around welfare once elected in 2027. This declaration was made during a recent media interaction in Umuahia, where he outlined his vision for the state.
In last Sunday’s primaries, Anosike emerged victorious against two rivals, garnering 16,543 votes. His nearest competitor, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, a former State Commissioner for Information, secured 3,145 votes, while Chief Olugu Kalu Ugba, a former deputy chief of staff, trailed with 961 votes. The primaries were conducted by a faction of the PDP National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Muhammad.
Elder Abraham Ama, the Chairman of the Abia PDP, announced the results at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia, following the procedures of the seven-member committee headed by Chris Nady that oversaw the election.
When discussing his priorities for the upcoming governorship election, Anosike emphasized a focus on people-centric policies that prioritize welfare. He stated that his administration would address infrastructure needs while also enhancing the quality of life for citizens. “Our vision encompasses building infrastructure and improving lives,” he explained.
Among his initiatives, Anosike highlighted a project called Feed Avia, which aligns with a national policy aimed at promoting agricultural production to ensure food security for the population. He also promised to implement a “civil servant care” policy that would offer wages exceeding the minimum wage and a “pension plus” system to support retirees. He remarked that the issues confronting Abia stem from mismanagement rather than a lack of resources, asserting, “Abia is not poor; it is poorly managed.”
Anosike’s campaign will focus on creating opportunities for the youth, promoting women’s social involvement, and providing microcredit to small and medium-sized enterprises alongside advancing infrastructure development. Addressing the performance of the incumbent governor, an international oil and gas commercial lawyer from Umukabia Okpuala expressed that the previous administration’s achievements are not reflective of public sentiment.
The PDP candidate asserted that his “people first” policy seeks to prioritize the needs of citizens, stating, “If you are an Abia in need, the next government will prioritize you.” Anosike, often regarded as a dark horse in the race for PDP leadership in 2027, countered claims of being an unfamiliar figure within the party by highlighting his longstanding membership since 2005. He noted that those who question his affiliation likely belong to a newer generation of party members.
He further clarified his political history, mentioning previous attempts to secure nominations, including a bid for the Ikwano/Umuahia Federal Constituency House of Representatives in 2011 and a contest for the Deputy National Treasurer position at the PDP National Convention in Enugu in 2007/2008. Despite not achieving nomination in those instances, he expressed unwavering loyalty to the party: “I stayed because I understand that loyalty is important.” He concluded by emphasizing that party membership extends beyond winning elections; it encompasses dedication, sacrifice, and solidarity in both success and defeat.
