As political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election gather momentum in Abia State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has outlined an ambitious welfare-focused agenda, promising improved salaries, healthcare, pension reforms and people-centred governance, while accusing the current administration of poor resource management. SEYE OLUMIDE reports.

The PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 elections in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has faulted the management of the state’s resources, arguing that the challenges confronting workers, pensioners and ordinary citizens are not the result of poverty but a consequence of poor governance and misplaced priorities.

Anosike maintained that Abia possesses enough financial and human resources to provide quality infrastructure, pay competitive wages, clear pension liabilities and improve the welfare of citizens if managed by a government that places people at the centre of development.

The PDP standard bearer, who spoke on his vision for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election, promised to pursue a welfare-driven administration that would focus on improving the living conditions of workers, retirees and vulnerable citizens while also delivering sustainable development projects.

According to him, governance should not be reduced to media campaigns, publicity stunts or what he described as propaganda-driven narratives on social media. Rather, he said the true measure of leadership lies in how government policies impact the daily lives of ordinary people.

He criticised the current administration of Governor Alex Otti, alleging that there is a growing disconnect between official narratives and the realities faced by many residents across the state.

Anosike said his administration would immediately embark on reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the public service, which he described as the backbone of effective governance.

As part of his proposed intervention, the PDP candidate pledged to implement the ₦90,000 national minimum wage for civil servants upon assumption of office in May 2027.

He explained that workers deserve remuneration that reflects current economic realities, stressing that the rising cost of living has significantly eroded the purchasing power of civil servants across the country.

Beyond salary adjustments, Anosike promised to introduce a comprehensive welfare package that would cater to the health, professional development and overall wellbeing of workers.

“I have always believed that the government exists to improve the lives of its people. As governor, one of my earliest decisions will be the implementation of the ₦90,000 minimum wage. But salary alone is not enough. We shall create a welfare system that protects workers, rewards productivity and restores dignity to public service,” he said.

The PDP candidate argued that no government can achieve meaningful development while neglecting the welfare of its workforce, noting that a motivated and adequately compensated civil service remains critical to policy implementation and service delivery.

He expressed concern over what he described as the poor earnings of workers in Abia when compared with their counterparts in neighbouring states. According to him, the wage disparity has placed many families under severe financial pressure and contributed to declining morale within the public service.

“It is unacceptable that a worker in Abia earns significantly less than workers performing similar duties in neighbouring states. In places like Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu, governments have made deliberate efforts to improve workers’ welfare. Abia workers deserve no less.

“We understand their pains and frustrations. That is why we are inviting them to become partners in a collective effort to rebuild the state and create a future where hard work is rewarded and public service is respected once again,” he said.

Anosike further disclosed plans to establish a robust healthcare programme for civil servants under what he called the Civil Service Care Programme.

Under the initiative, every civil servant would enjoy access to health insurance coverage funded by the government, thereby reducing the financial burden associated with medical treatment.

He noted that many workers currently spend a substantial portion of their income on healthcare expenses, leaving them vulnerable to economic hardship whenever serious health challenges arise.

“Healthcare should never be a luxury reserved for a privileged few. Every worker who dedicates his or her time to serving the state deserves access to quality medical care.

Through our Civil Service Care Programme, we shall provide free health insurance for civil servants because a healthy workforce is essential for effective governance,” he stated.

The governorship hopeful also dismissed claims that the state lacks the financial capacity to fund improved wages and welfare programmes.

He insisted that Abia’s challenge is not revenue generation but the management and deployment of available resources.

According to him, prudent financial management, elimination of waste and proper prioritisation of government spending would free up resources needed to address workers’ welfare, pension obligations and developmental needs.

“Abia is not poor. What we are witnessing is a crisis of management. The resources required to improve workers’ welfare, settle pension arrears and execute development projects are available. What is needed is leadership that understands priorities and places people first,” he said.

Anosike stressed that while infrastructure remains important, governments must avoid pursuing physical projects at the expense of citizens’ wellbeing.

He argued that roads, bridges and public buildings have little value when the people they are meant to serve are burdened by poverty, ill health and economic hardship.

“Our philosophy is simple: development must be people-centred. We shall build roads, schools and other critical infrastructure, but we shall also invest in human lives. Infrastructure is important, but the people come first. Abians must be alive, healthy and economically empowered to enjoy the benefits of development,” he said.

The PDP candidate also devoted considerable attention to the plight of pensioners, describing their condition as one of the most troubling indicators of governance failure.

He lamented that many retirees who dedicated decades of service to the state now live in uncertainty due to unpaid pensions, inadequate healthcare and declining living standards.

To address the situation, Anosike unveiled plans for a dedicated PensionPlus Programme that would focus on clearing outstanding pension arrears while extending healthcare coverage to retired workers.

He assured pensioners that they would not be abandoned under his administration.

“Our senior citizens deserve honour, not neglect. These are men and women who spent the most productive years of their lives serving Abia State. We shall systematically clear outstanding pension arrears and provide free health insurance for pensioners so they can live their retirement years with dignity and peace of mind,” he pledged.

Providing further details of his agenda, Anosike revealed that many of the proposed reforms targeting workers and pensioners would commence within the first 100 days of his administration.

He said the measures would mark a clear departure from what he described as years of inadequate attention to the welfare of public servants.

The PDP flag bearer also announced plans to modernise the state civil service through extensive training and capacity-building programmes.

Towards that, he proposed the establishment of a modern Abia Civil Service College and Executive Lounge that would serve as a centre for professional development, leadership training, policy education and innovation.

According to him, strengthening the knowledge and competence of civil servants is essential to building an efficient and responsive government.

The institution, he said, would help prepare workers for emerging governance challenges while creating opportunities for career advancement and continuous learning.

“We intend to build a civil service that is modern, professional and globally competitive.

The proposed Civil Service College will provide the platform for training, innovation and leadership development, while also creating a conducive environment that recognises the contributions of hardworking public servants,” he explained.

Anosike reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance, insisting that the future of Abia depends on a government that prioritises people over politics.

He assured workers and pensioners that a PDP administration under his leadership would focus on restoring hope, improving welfare and rebuilding public trust in government.

“To every civil servant and pensioner in Abia State, our message is clear: better days are ahead. Dignity will be restored, justice will be served, welfare will improve and the government will once again become a partner in the pursuit of a better life for all Abians,” he said.