The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has unveiled a rural-focused development agenda, arguing that economic growth and government investments must extend beyond the state’s major urban centers of Aba and Umuahia.
Speaking in Abuja, Anosike said his administration would prioritize neglected rural communities through investments in security, agriculture, roads, electricity, water supply, and local governance across all 17 local government areas of the state.
A key part of his proposal is the creation of the Abia Rural Development Agency (ARDA), which would coordinate rural infrastructure projects, electrification programs, water schemes, market development, and agro-processing zones.
According to Anosike, security would be the foundation of his administration’s development strategy. He said farmers, traders, and investors cannot thrive in communities affected by kidnapping, violent crime, and insecurity. He pledged to strengthen community-based security through collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, local governments, and vigilante groups.
The PDP candidate also promised to rehabilitate or construct at least one major rural road annually in each of Abia’s 17 local government areas. He argued that development in the state has been concentrated in a few urban centers for too long.
“We cannot build a prosperous Abia if prosperity stops at Aba and Umuahia. The real Abia lives in our villages, farms, markets, and communities,” Anosike said while outlining his vision for inclusive growth.
Beyond infrastructure, he pledged reforms aimed at making local governments more effective in grassroots development and expanding agricultural production through his proposed Operation Feed Abia and Back-to-Farm Initiative. The programs would focus on food security, job creation, access to credit, improved seedlings, mechanized farming, storage facilities, and support for agro-processing industries.
Anosike’s comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election begin to gather momentum in Abia State, with candidates presenting competing visions for the state’s future development.
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