Anosike Credits Tinubu’s Reforms for Higher State Revenue, Says Abia Has Been Poorly Managed

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has unveiled what he described as a people-centred and welfare-driven blueprint for governance, insisting that Abia’s development should be measured by the well-being of its citizens rather than infrastructure alone.

Speaking during his first press briefing after emerging as the PDP’s flag bearer at the party’s state secretariat, Anosike said his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritize workers’ welfare, humane policies, job creation and holistic development.

Describing himself as “a welfarist,” the PDP candidate said governance must put people first, stressing that government policies should never deprive citizens of their means of livelihood without providing viable alternatives.

Anosike condemned what he described as the premature retirement of thousands of civil servants, promising to strictly uphold the civil service rules on retirement and ensure workers receive all statutory promotions and allowances due to them.

On economic policies, he argued that government decisions must always consider their human impact, citing the example of commercial motorcycle operators. According to him, any decision to restrict or ban their operations should be accompanied by alternative means of livelihood or retraining programmes.

He further maintained that while infrastructure remains important, true development must focus on improving the lives of the people.

“The true measurement of good governance is the people, not just bricks and mortar,” he said, adding that his administration would pursue inclusive and holistic development across all sectors.

Anosike also took a swipe at the current administration, insisting that Abia has sufficient financial resources to achieve greater development.

He attributed the increased revenue available to states to the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that monthly allocations to Abia had risen significantly compared to previous years.

According to him, the state’s development challenges are rooted in poor management rather than inadequate resources.
“Abia is not poor; Abia is poorly managed,” he declared.

Responding to questions about the PDP’s past performance in government, Anosike said the party had undergone renewal and was presenting a new vision for the state.

He maintained that the 2027 election should be judged on present realities rather than past administrations, describing his emergence as the beginning of “a new standard, a new direction and a new energy” for the PDP.

Earlier, while formally presenting Anosike to journalists, the Abia State Chairman of the PDP, Abraham Amah, described the party’s candidate as a leader with the competence, integrity and administrative capacity to provide purposeful leadership for the state.

Amah said Anosike emerged through a transparent democratic process after extensive consultations within the party, adding that his candidacy represents the PDP’s renewed commitment to offering Abians a credible alternative.

The PDP chairman also criticised the performance of the present state government, arguing that governance should be assessed by the number of jobs created, economic opportunities generated and improvements in citizens’ welfare rather than public relations and propaganda.

He maintained that despite increased federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, Abia had not witnessed development commensurate with the resources available.

Amah expressed confidence that Anosike possesses the vision and capacity to transform Abia through accountable leadership, institutional discipline, economic growth and people-oriented governance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.