Ahead of its primaries, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State has presented its third governorship aspirant to delegates.
Delegates who converged at the party secretariat on Thursday received Ohuhu-born legal practitioner and UK-qualified solicitor, Kelechi Anosike, who has declared interest in the Abia governorship race.
State Chairman of the PDP, Elder Abraham Amah, confirmed that three aspirants had so far joined the race, noting that Anosike was the latest entrant after fulfilling all constitutional and legal requirements.
Amah said the party had overcome past mistakes and legal battles fought at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. He stressed that the PDP is now united under its national leadership, with parallel structures dissolved and the party fully prepared for the 2027 elections.
“We may have made mistakes in the past, but we have realized them and are ready to rewrite the wrongs,” he said.
Anosike’s pitch to Abians
Presenting his agenda, Anosike said his mission goes beyond politics. He pledged to rebuild Abia through holistic development, youth empowerment, civil service reforms, and economic revitalization.
“Never again will any Abian go home hungry. We will create food, return to the farms, and ensure families can feed themselves,” he declared.
Anosike, who hails from Ohuhu in Umuahia North LGA, said he began his education in Okoko Item, Bende, before studying Law at Abia State University. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Petroleum Law and Policy and a PhD in Property Law and Mortgages in the UK.
He explained that he specialized in energy, petroleum, gas, and property law, and built a law firm now regarded as one of the best in Africa in its field. The firm has managed complex systems, revived struggling companies, and served as legal adviser and company secretary to several organisations.
“They call me a professor because I profess knowledge and wealth. I am a wealth creator. That is what we want to bring to Abia State,” he said.
Policy priorities
Anosike criticised the current administration for over-concentrating on road infrastructure at the expense of other sectors.
“Governance is beyond roads. Healthcare, agriculture, security, workers’ welfare, and youth development are equally important,” he said.
He lamented the high cost of living in Abia, describing it as one of the most expensive states in Nigeria, and promised to revive the economy by injecting funds and improving purchasing power.
On workers’ welfare, he proposed a “Civil Service Care” scheme where government would cover 70% of medical expenses for workers while they pay 30%. He also announced a “Pension Plus” initiative to improve the welfare of retirees.
For youths, he rejected the old model of distributing motorcycles and tricycles, advocating instead for ICT-based empowerment. “Our youths can work remotely for foreign companies and earn in pounds and dollars. We must think outside the box, like Kenya,” he said.
Anosike also decried the condition of the judiciary, alleging that workers had been on strike over unpaid salaries while some citizens languished in correctional facilities without trial. “This government will have a human face. Governance is about compassion, welfare, and care,” he promised.
He urged PDP delegates to support a candidate capable of winning both the primary and the general election. “We are not in this race by mistake. We are prepared to run and prepared to win,” he concluded.
