The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has declared that the only legally recognised faction of the party is the one aligned with Nyesom Wike, dismissing claims of multiple factions within the party.
Anosike, who openly pledged support to the faction associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, maintained that no other faction enjoys recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“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.
He further claimed that in Abia State, he remains the sole governorship candidate of the party. According to him, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and four other political parties have aligned with the PDP in a strategic effort to unseat Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.
Assessing the performance of Governor Otti’s administration, Anosike accused the state government of neglecting the needs of young people, arguing that many youths have abandoned the Labour Party and are now backing the PDP ahead of 2027.
“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 added.
Responding to allegations that his political ambition is being sponsored by powerful figures, Anosike denied any external influence, insisting his candidacy is driven by divine purpose.
“Nobody sent me. It is the Almighty God who sent me and is driving this process,” Anosike said.
He also dismissed reports linking his candidacy to former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Anosike further warned the Otti administration against suppressing opposition voices, urging the governor to remain open to criticism and public accountability.
“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 criticized Governor Otti for focusing heavily on road infrastructure while allegedly neglecting other key sectors critical to economic growth and poverty reduction.
According to him, infrastructure development alone cannot significantly improve the welfare of citizens, especially amid worsening economic hardship.
Anosike additionally argued that the Otti administration has benefited from significantly higher federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu.
“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,” he said.
