Kelechi Anosike, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State, has maintained that the faction of the party aligned with Nyesom Wike remains the only one recognised by law and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Anosike dismissed the existence of any rival faction, insisting there is only one PDP and describing any alternative platform as politically irrelevant.
He declared support for the Wike-led bloc, stating that in Abia, he remains the party’s sole governorship candidate. He also claimed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and four other political parties have aligned with the PDP in a move to challenge Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 election.
Speaking on Otti’s administration, Anosike accused the governor of neglecting the needs of young people in the state, claiming many youths have abandoned the Labour Party and are now backing the PDP.
He also dismissed claims that his ambition is being sponsored by political heavyweights, insisting his governorship bid is driven by divine direction and not by any individual, including former governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Anosike further accused the Otti-led government of intimidating opposition voices and urged the administration to embrace criticism rather than suppress dissent.
He also argued that while road construction has dominated the current administration’s agenda, other critical sectors of the economy have been neglected, adding that infrastructure alone is not enough to improve the welfare of residents.
According to him, the state has received significantly higher federal allocations under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, making it necessary for the government to deliver more comprehensive development beyond roads.
The comment by Kelechi Anosike comes amid the lingering leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, which has remained divided into different factions since the 2023 general elections.
BACKSTORY…
The crisis deepened after the fallout between key party leaders and the emergence of rival blocs, with Nyesom Wike and his allies maintaining strong influence in parts of the party despite internal opposition.
In Abia State, the political tension is also tied to preparations for the 2027 governorship election, where opposition parties are already positioning themselves against Governor Alex Otti.
Anosike’s remarks reflect the ongoing struggle for legitimacy within the PDP and the wider battle for political control ahead of the next election cycle.
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