The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has declared that the faction of the party aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is the only legally recognised PDP, dismissing claims of the existence of any parallel faction.
Speaking during an interview, Anosike insisted that the Wike-led structure remains the only PDP recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that participation in any other faction would amount to a futile political exercise.
“There are not two PDPs. We have only one PDP, and it is the one recognised by INEC, with Nyesom Wike as our national leader. The others have moved to different parties,” he said.
The PDP governorship hopeful further maintained that he remains the party’s sole governorship candidate in Abia State, adding that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and four other political parties have thrown their weight behind the PDP in a bid to unseat Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.
According to Anosike, the opposition coalition is steadily gaining momentum as more political groups and supporters rally behind his candidacy.
Assessing Governor Otti’s administration, Anosike accused the state government of failing to address the needs of young people, claiming that many youths have become disillusioned with the Labour Party and are now embracing the PDP.
“The Abia State government has neglected the people, especially the youths. There is no meaningful programme targeted at them. About 75 per cent of the youths are with us, and more are joining every day.
“They have adopted our party. Nigerians will see endorsements from these parties and understand that we are serious,” he stated.
Responding to allegations that influential politicians are sponsoring his ambition, Anosike dismissed the claims, insisting that his governorship bid is driven solely by divine purpose.
“Nobody sent me. It is the Almighty God who sent me and is driving this process,” he said.
He also denied reports linking his emergence as the PDP candidate to former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Anosike further accused the Otti administration of attempting to silence opposition voices, urging the governor to tolerate criticism and remain accountable to the people.
“If you have nothing to hide, there is no reason to clamp down on people expressing their opinions. If you believe you have performed well, present your achievements and defend them.
“During debates, we will ask critical questions and expect answers. Arresting people for speaking their minds only raises suspicions,” he said.
The PDP candidate also criticised the governor’s development agenda, arguing that the administration has concentrated largely on road construction while neglecting key sectors capable of improving the living standards of residents.
According to him, infrastructure projects alone are insufficient to tackle poverty and unemployment, despite the significant increase in federal allocations received by the state.
“Previous administrations received as little as N3 billion monthly, whereas the current government receives as much as N30 billion.
“With such resources, road construction alone should not be celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” Anosike added.
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