- Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State for the 2027 general election, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has dismissed claims that he is a new member of the party, insisting that he has been a loyal stakeholder since 2005.
Anosike made the clarification in Umuahia, saying his long-standing membership of the party was being questioned by individuals he described as "social media-era members" unfamiliar with his political history.
According to him, he joined the PDP in 2005 and has remained active in the party despite not occupying any formal political or party office in the state.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I am not a newcomer in the PDP. My relationship with, and membership of, our great party did not begin recently, neither is it driven by political convenience or personal ambition," he said.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
He explained that he contested the House of Representatives ticket for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in 2011 under the PDP but did not secure the party's nomination.
Anosike also recalled his participation in the 2007/2008 PDP National Convention in Enugu, where he contested for the position of Deputy National Financial Secretary, noting that the position was eventually zoned elsewhere.
He added that he has served in several national party and federal government committees, earning commendations, and also authored the biography of former President Olusegun Obasanjo titled "Olusegun Obasanjo: The Man, The Message, The Movement."
"I participated fully in the democratic process but did not secure the party's nomination. When those opportunities did not materialise, I did not leave the PDP. I stayed because I understand that loyalty matters," he said.
Anosike stressed that party membership goes beyond holding office, appointments or electoral victories, but also involves sacrifice, commitment and sustained support.
"I understand that party membership is not only about winning elections or occupying positions. It is about commitment, sacrifice, and standing with your political family in both victory and defeat," he said.
He noted that he had personally supported and maintained the PDP ward office in Nkwoegwu Ward and contributed to sustaining party structures in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Anosike also expressed concern over the PDP's loss in the 2023 elections, describing it as painful, and said he was motivated to help reposition the party in Abia State.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"I made up my mind to step forward and contribute more actively to rebuilding and repositioning our party. The PDP is bigger than any individual," he said.
He added that his emergence as governorship candidate was part of efforts to restore the party's strength and appeal in the state ahead of 2027.
