Abia 2027: PDP Governorship Candidate Vows Agricultural Overhaul to Lower Living Costs

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State for the upcoming 2027 elections, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the agricultural sector and reduce the high cost of living for residents. Speaking during a solidarity visit by alumni of Comprehensive Secondary School, Okoko-Ikom, at his office in Umuahia, Anosike criticized the current administration for allegedly failing to invest adequately in farming and food security.

Anosike noted that despite having arable and fertile land, Abia State continues to rely heavily on neighboring states for its daily food supply, with heavy transport trucks frequently bringing in agricultural goods. He argued that this dependence contributes significantly to making Abia one of the most expensive states to reside in, adding that local farmers have not received the necessary governmental support and financial encouragement.

Addressing the delegation, the PDP candidate also raised concerns regarding the utilization of increased federal allocations following the removal of the national fuel subsidy. He contrasted the previous monthly revenue of between three and four billion naira with the current allocations reaching up to forty billion naira, asserting that residents have yet to see proportional relief or visible improvements in their economic well-being.

During the visit, the leader of the alumni delegation, Mr Harold Onyeukwu, urged Anosike to prioritize the rehabilitation of their alma mater, requesting infrastructural additions such as perimeter fencing, library upgrades, and laboratory facilities if he wins the governorship election. In response, Anosike assured the group that their requests would be given due consideration.

Also speaking at the event, the state PDP chairman and deputy governorship candidate, Elder Abraham Amah, praised the alumni for identifying with their former schoolmate. Amah stated that Anosike's emergence has breathed new life into the opposition party in the state. Furthermore, the chairman of the Abia PDP campaign council, Amb Empire Kanu, remarked that the candidate's development strategy is modeled after the economic ideals of the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr Michael Okpara.

Source reporting: Punch — 2026-11-04 00:09:13