The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Abia State governorship election, Kelechi Anosike, has unveiled an ambitious welfare-centred agenda for the state, declaring that “Abia is not poor but poorly managed” while criticising the administration of Alex Otti over what he described as inadequate development despite increased federal allocations.
Speaking during a media parley at the PDP State Secretariat in Umuahia, Anosike argued that the state’s level of development does not reflect the significant financial resources now accruing to Abia from the Federation Account.
According to him, the performance of any government should not be assessed solely on physical infrastructure but also on its commitment to improving the welfare and living standards of the people.
“Abia is not poor but poorly managed,” Anosike declared, insisting that governance must prioritise human development alongside infrastructural projects.
The PDP governorship candidate said the party had undergone significant internal reforms and is now more united and better positioned to reclaim power in 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 whose administration would be driven by a philosophy of social welfare and inclusive governance.
“A good man gets power and power becomes good, but when a bad man gets power, power becomes bad,” he said.
Outlining his manifesto, Anosike pledged to clear outstanding promotional arrears, pension obligations and gratuity shortfalls owed to civil servants. He also promised to review cases involving workers allegedly retired before reaching the statutory retirement age.
The PDP candidate further vowed to revisit the disengagement of about 10,000 civil servants, saying those found to have been unfairly dismissed would be reinstated after a comprehensive review.
To improve workers’ welfare, he promised to introduce housing and vehicle loan schemes for civil servants, establish affordable retirement homes, and review the state’s salary structure, with a proposed minimum wage of ₦90,000.
He also announced plans to establish a Civil Service College to provide regular training and retraining for public servants aimed at improving productivity and service delivery.
According to Anosike, true development extends beyond roads and public buildings.
“Government should not be measured only by infrastructure. Building the people is equally important. A welfarist believes in holistic development,” he said.
Responding to questions over his role during previous PDP administrations, Anosike argued that earlier governments operated under severe financial constraints, noting that Abia previously received about ₦3.5 billion monthly from the Federation Account, making large-scale development difficult.
He credited Bola Ahmed Tinubu with increasing states’ revenue through the removal of fuel subsidy, saying governors now receive substantially higher allocations than in previous years.
“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 stated.
On economic development, the PDP standard-bearer promised to revive moribund industries across the state while establishing new cottage industries to generate employment opportunities.
He said agriculture and industrialisation would form the cornerstone of his administration, drawing inspiration from the development model of Michael Iheonukara Okpara.
“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 said.
Anosike also pledged to strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through grants and intervention programmes designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and expand the state’s economy.
On security, he assured residents that security votes would be managed transparently to enhance the protection of lives and property across Abia.
He further announced plans to establish the Abia State Informal Sector Regulatory and Development Agency (ABSIRDA), which he said would regulate and support artisans, including plumbers, electricians, mechanics and technicians, while exposing them to international opportunities and improving professional standards.
Reaffirming his confidence in the PDP’s chances in the 2027 governorship election, Anosike maintained that the party remains united and ready to return to power.
“Our party is united, formidable and ready to take over the government in 2027,” he declared.
The media parley was attended by the Abia State PDP Chairman, Abraham Amah, the State Vice Chairman, Enyinnaya Appolos, alongside other party leaders and members.
