The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State, Kelechi Anosike, has said the state deserves development that reflects its growing revenue profile, insisting that residents should be benefiting more from available resources.

Anosike made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, where he outlined his plans for a people-focused administration centred on welfare, economic advancement, and balanced development across critical sectors.

He also weighed in on the performance of the current administration led by Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, under the Labour Party and is expected to seek re-election in 2027.

According to Anosike, assessments by various groups that visited the state showed that the governor performed above average in road infrastructure but fell short in other sectors.

“He has done relatively well in the road sector, and it would not be fair to compare him with past governments, given the windfall and massive revenue states now receive,” he said.

The PDP candidate argued that increased federal allocations and improved revenues have created opportunities for greater development, adding that any administration in the current financial climate would likely have achieved some level of progress.

“So, even if he was not Otti and another person was in charge now, the person would also have done relatively better. He just has more money in his hands. But we are saying people ought to have done more. Abia deserves more. We are in the race because we believe our people are being shortchanged. They deserve more based on the amount of money coming into the state as we speak,” Anosike stated.

He stressed the need for what he described as holistic development, arguing that sectors such as healthcare and education require greater attention.

“There is a need for holistic development. What is he doing in health? Zero. What is happening in education? Zero. We are aware of the scandal surrounding the smart schools project worth about ₦84 billion. They are still looking for these smart schools; not even one has been completed,” he said.

Anosike further promised that, if elected, his administration would implement a minimum wage of ₦90,000 and review it periodically to reflect prevailing economic conditions.

He said the welfare of citizens would be a major priority under his leadership, emphasizing that governance should focus on improving the lives of people.

“What we are bringing is different. We will not be a government that prioritises structures over people. We say the next government in Abia will prioritise people, not problems,” he added.