The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 election, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has unveiled a welfarist governance agenda, promising to prioritise the welfare of citizens, create jobs, attract investment and reduce the economic burden on the people if elected.
Anosike made the remarks on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, on the topic, “Relationship Between the Media, Government and the People.”

The PDP candidate said the media had a crucial role to play in promoting democratic accountability, stressing that journalists should not merely serve as a “megaphone” for government but should act as a “microscope” through which government policies and programmes could be scrutinised in the interest of the people.
the government, media and citizens must work together to ensure that governance remains centred on the welfare and development of the people.

Anosike criticised what he described as excessive taxation of low-income earners, citing the daily levies imposed on truck and wheelbarrow pushers in Aba.
He questioned the rationale behind collecting daily tickets from people who, according to him, struggle to earn enough to support themselves and their families.

“For me, that’s wickedness,” he said, arguing that increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) should not be achieved by placing additional financial burdens on the poorest members of society.
He also criticised what he described as high charges for land registry inquiries, saying that such measures could discourage investment and economic activity in the state.
Anosike maintained that the way to increase Abia’ IGR was to open up the state to investment, create a productive economy and attract local and foreign investors.

He argued that awarding road contracts alone should not be regarded as the totality of governance, stressing that government must create an environment where industries, businesses and employment opportunities can thrive.
“What’s governance is to open up your state for investment. Attract serious foreign direct investment in your state. Build factories, productive economies. That’s governance,” he said.

The PDP candidate said Abia could improve its revenue base by encouraging industries and businesses to establish operations in the state, rather than relying heavily on taxes and levies imposed on individuals.

He also expressed concern over youth unemployment and the migration of young people from Abia to cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt in search of opportunities.
To address the challenge, Anosike proposed the establishment of the Abia State Labour and Global Opportunities Agency (ALGOA), which he said would equip young people with modern skills and enable them to compete for jobs in the global digital economy.

He noted that many jobs could now be performed virtually, allowing young people to live and work from different parts of Abia while serving companies and clients in other parts of Nigeria and abroad.

He also proposed the establishment of an Abia State Rural Development Agency (ARDA) to promote development across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
development should not be concentrated in Aba and Umuahia, but should extend to communities and local government areas across the state.
“Abia is not only Aba and Umuahia. Abia is bigger than Aba and Umuahia. All the LGAs should be functional,” he said.

Anosike further promised to establish functional primary healthcare facilities across the 17 local government areas, equipped with laboratories and other necessary diagnostic facilities.
He said such investments would not only improve healthcare delivery but also create employment opportunities and encourage residents to remain in their communities rather than migrate to urban centres.

Responding to a question from a journalist on how his proposed welfarist government would differ from previous PDP administrations in the state, particularly concerning salaries, pensions and workers’ welfare, Anosike said his administration would operate with what he described as a “new mindset, new focus and new direction.”

He acknowledged concerns over the performance of previous administrations but argued that the financial challenges experienced by many states before 2023 were partly linked to the country’s wider economic situation.
the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu significantly increased revenues accruing to states but also transferred a substantial economic burden to citizens through higher transportation and living costs.

Anosike argued that governments should therefore channel part of the increased revenue into social protection and welfare programmes to cushion the effects of rising costs on citizens.
He said his proposed administration would introduce subsidies and other interventions in critical sectors, particularly healthcare.
Among his proposals, he said, was a health insurance programme under which government would absorb a substantial portion of medical expenses for citizens.
“We are trying to create subsidy in health insurance. We now said we’ll introduce health insurance and set up trust hospitals where citizens only pay 40 per cent medical bill, government absorbs 60 per cent,” he said.

Anosike also promised to pay a minimum wage of N90,000 to the least-paid worker in the state if elected, saying the policy would apply across the workforce.
He said his administration would prioritise workers’ welfare and ensure that government employment policies complied with established rules and regulations.

The PDP candidate also promised to review the cases of workers he alleged were prematurely dismissed from the Abia State public service.
who were dismissed before attaining the statutory retirement age or required years of service would be considered for recall, subject to the applicable rules.

According to him, workers who would have attained retirement age by 2027 would instead be considered for payment of outstanding salaries where applicable.
He described the principle behind the proposed policy as “People First, Abia Always,” stressing that government should serve and protect the interests of citizens while also respecting established laws and procedures.

In the education sector, Anosike said his administration would seek to ensure that graduates leave school with both academic qualifications and practical skills.

He also proposed the establishment of an Abia State Traders Microfinance Bank to provide soft loans, grants and other financial facilities to small and medium-sized businesses.
He said the proposed financial institution would provide support to traders and entrepreneurs through what he described as collateral-free and interest-free financing arrangements.

Anosike added that his administration would promote cooperative economics as another means of empowering citizens, supporting small businesses and expanding economic opportunities across the state. overall objective of his proposed administration would be to build an economy driven by investment, entrepreneurship, skills development and productive employment rather than excessive taxation.

He called on the media to continue to hold government accountable while also informing citizens about policies capable of improving their lives.
Anosike reiterated that his proposed administration would place the people at the centre of governance, insisting that economic development must ultimately translate into better living conditions and greater opportunities for the people of Abia State.

From :Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu
FIC Umuahia.
4th September 2026.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Deacon Kelechi Anosike, has challenged journalists to subject government claims and projects to rigorous scrutiny, insisting that the people deserve accurate information on how public resources are being utilised.

Anosike made the call while addressing journalists in Umuahia, where he presented his assessment of governance in the state and outlined his vision for a more people-centred administration ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The PDP flag bearer, who described himself as a welfarist, said the essence of governance should go beyond the construction of roads and other physical infrastructure to include the welfare, economic empowerment and social security of citizens.

He argued that while infrastructure is important, government must also demonstrate its impact through improved living standards, employment opportunities, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education and support for vulnerable citizens.
Anosike said journalists have a critical responsibility to interrogate claims made by political actors and government officials, stressing that the media should remain a platform for accountability and the protection of the public interest.
According to him, Abia has the resources and human capacity required for meaningful development, but what is needed is a new direction, mindset and responsible leadership capable of deploying available resources for the benefit of the people.

He also criticised what he described as excessive emphasis on media publicity, arguing that projects and programmes should be evaluated on the basis of their actual impact on citizens rather than the volume of publicity surrounding them.
Anosike said his proposed administration would prioritise welfare alongside infrastructure, with emphasis on workers, pensioners, youths, women, artisans, farmers and other vulnerable groups.
The PDP candidate has consistently presented his 2027 campaign around a welfare-focused agenda, including improved workers’ welfare, rural development, agriculture, job creation and stronger grassroots governance. He has also proposed the establishment of agencies to drive rural development and connect Abia youths with global employment opportunities.

He urged journalists to continue asking difficult questions and providing citizens with facts, saying the media’s role in democratic governance goes beyond reporting political speeches to ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their promises.
Anosike, who emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, has repeatedly said his ambition is driven by the desire to place “people first” in the governance of Abia State. �
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…. Receives Massive 2027 Endorsement From Imo Indigenes In Abia

Governor Alex Otti has directed the immediate calculation and payment of entitlements to workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness and inclusive governance.

Responding to an appeal for the recall of workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, the Governor explained that many of those affected have now reached retirement age and may no longer be able to return to active service.

He therefore directed that their outstanding entitlements be computed and paid without delay. According to him, the directive applies to all affected workers irrespective of their state of origin, noting that similar payments had already commenced for eligible beneficiaries following verification exercises.

This is a testament to the sincerity of  his administration as thousands of Imo indigenes resident in Abia State gathered in Aba to endorse him for a second term in 2027, citing his transformational leadership, infrastructural renewal, improved security and people-centred policies.

The endorsement came during a grand civic reception organised by Ndi Imo in Abia on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in honour of Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. The event attracted Imo indigenes from all the 27 Local Government Areas resident in Abia State.
Addressing the gathering at the pavilion of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Governor Otti assured residents that his administration would continue to implement policies that benefit everyone irrespective of state of origin, reiterating that there is no discrimination based on origin under his government.

The Governor thanked the Imo community for the overwhelming show of love and solidarity, particularly in honour of his wife, who hails from Mbaise in Imo State. He assured them that his administration’s achievements over the last three years represent only the beginning of greater developments to come.
“This is just the beginning. We have been here for just three years. By the grace of God, in the next five years, you will see even greater things. Once you have found your feet, there is no going back to Egypt. We will continue to develop and do better,” Governor Otti declared.

Governor Otti also appreciated the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Perry Opara, for identifying with the event. He assured him that Imo indigenes living in Abia enjoy equal rights, security and opportunities as citizens of the state.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, Chief Perry Opara described the massive turnout as evidence of the cordial relationship between Imo residents and the Abia State Government. He noted that Governor Otti, whose wife is from Imo State, has continued to carry every resident along in governance and urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Achigbu; Chairman of the Steering Committee, Chief MacDonald; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ndi Imo in Abia, Chief Boniface Mbachu, represented by Chief James Odocha; National President of South East Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe; Labour Party Zonal Women Leader for Abia South, Mrs. Lilian Ezenobi; the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); and the Founder of the Local Boys Movement, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Chukwuma Azode, unanimously endorsed Governor Otti for a second term in office.

They applauded his visionary leadership and transformational achievements in infrastructure, security, stable electricity, economic development and good governance, describing his administration as one that has restored hope and confidence among residents. They also praised the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, describing her as a worthy daughter of Imo State whose support has continued to strengthen the Governor’s success.

Delivering the vote of thanks, an Imo indigene and Commissioner in the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Chief G.C. Duru, reaffirmed the unassuming support of Imo residents for Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking with journalists, Dr. Ikechukwu Ijemba, a Board of Trustees member of Ndi Imo in Aba and proprietor of Chris Mary Hotel, said Governor Otti’s administration has provided appointments for qualified sons and daughters of the community while transforming the state’s infrastructure, electricity supply and security architecture. He said these achievements informed their overwhelming endorsement.

Other stakeholders, including the Leader of Echezona Street Vanguard, Mr. Michael Aniorji; Managing Director of Kingswell Hospital, Aba, Dr. Ugochukwu Okoro; Chairman of Ngwa Market, Chief Ejim Munachimso; and broadcaster, M.C. Ifeanyi Ahanaihu of Magic FM, described the current administration as the most impactful since the return of democracy.

They likened Governor Otti’s developmental strides to those of the late Governor Sam Mbakwe and expressed confidence that history would remember him for positively transforming Abia State.
Several coordinators of Ndi Imo across the various Local Government Areas, including Ambassador Cosmos Ukata (Oru East), Barr. Uche Anyaiam (Nkwere), Mr. Chinedu Okere (Ngor Okpala), Mr. Augustine Opara (Aboh Mbaise), Mr. Frank Onuoha (Ahiazu Mbaise), Mr. Christian Orumadu and Chief Ferdinand Onuoha (Njaba), also commended the remarkable pace of development across Abia State. They noted that increasing property values, improved infrastructure and enhanced security clearly demonstrate that the state is on a new trajectory of growth.

They further disclosed that many eligible members of the Imo community resident in Abia have obtained or transferred their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Abia State, expressing their determination to support Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
The colourful event featured cultural displays, traditional dances and masquerade performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Imo State, adding glamour to the celebration of unity, inclusiveness and transformational governance in Abia State.