Kelechi Anosike has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State for the 2027 governorship election after recording a landslide victory in the party’s primary election.
The Abia PDP Chairman, Ama Abraham, announced the result with the approval of the party’s governorship returning officer, Chris Nnadi, stating that Anosike secured a total of 16,543 votes across the 17 local government areas of the state to defeat other aspirants in the contest.
According to the results declared, Olughu Kalu polled 961 votes, while John Okiyi Kalu secured 3,145 votes.
A breakdown of the results showed that Anosike recorded overwhelming victories in several local government areas, including Umuahia North where he secured 2,445 votes against 29 votes for Olughu Kalu and 37 votes for John Okiyi Kalu.
In Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Anosike polled 275 votes, while Olughu Kalu and John Okiyi Kalu secured 20 and 16 votes respectively. In Arochukwu Local Government Area, John Okiyi Kalu led with 1,357 votes, while Anosike recorded 73 votes and Olughu Kalu scored 56 votes.
The results also showed that in Obingwa Local Government Area, Anosike polled 2,453 votes against 172 votes for Olughu Kalu and 160 votes for John Okiyi Kalu.
In Aba North, Anosike secured 1,617 votes, while John Okiyi Kalu polled 20 votes and Olughu Kalu recorded one vote.
In Umuahia South, Anosike scored 2,152 votes, while Olughu Kalu secured 62 votes and John Okiyi Kalu polled 92 votes.
Other local government areas also recorded strong performances for Anosike, including Ukwa East where he secured 851 votes, Ukwa West with 177 votes, and Aba South where he polled 169 votes.
At the conclusion of the collation exercise, the returning officer officially declared Kelechi Anosike winner of the PDP governorship primary and returned him as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking after the announcement, Ama Abraham commended party stakeholders, security agencies, delegates, and other aspirants for conducting themselves peacefully and placing the interest of the party above personal ambitions.
Reacting to his victory, Anosike expressed gratitude to party delegates and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to lead a people-oriented administration focused on welfare, inclusion, and economic revival.
“I feel deeply humbled, profoundly grateful, and overwhelmed by this great confidence the party has reposed in me to fly the flag of the party in the 2027 Abia State governorship election,” he said.
The PDP candidate thanked God, delegates, and party stakeholders for the opportunity to serve the party in a greater capacity.
He also commended the national leadership of the party, for their sacrifices and commitment toward repositioning the PDP as a formidable opposition platform capable of reclaiming power in Abia State.
Anosike further praised fellow aspirants who contested alongside him, stressing that although only one person emerged victorious, the collective mission remains rebuilding and repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 election.
According to him, he would immediately begin reconciliation efforts by reaching out to other aspirants and members who may have left the party for different reasons.
“My candidacy represents a new mindset and a new direction for the party. Our doors are open for those who left the party to come back home so we can rebuild and reposition the PDP,” he stated.
The governorship candidate also unveiled several welfare-driven policy initiatives, including “Operation Feed Abians,” a back-to-farm programme aimed at boosting food production and ensuring that no resident goes to bed hungry.
He further promised improved welfare for civil servants, assuring that workers under his administration would earn above the prescribed minimum wage.
According to him, his proposed government would also introduce “Pension Plus” for retirees, create opportunities for youths, promote inclusion for women, and provide microcredit support for business owners.
“We will build infrastructure, but we will also build lives. Never again will any Abian in need be seen as a problem, but a priority,” he declared.
Anosike described his emergence as the beginning of a new era for the PDP in Abia State and called on political stakeholders and former members of the party to unite ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Introducing himself further, the PDP candidate said he is an international oil and gas commercial solicitor with a PhD and hails from Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
He added that he holds several traditional titles and remains committed to providing transformational leadership for the state.
