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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, has elected Dr Kelechi Anosike as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, defeating a former Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu.
According to the official result announced by the factional state chairman of the party, Abraham Amah, Anosike secured a total of 16,543 votes to defeat Okiyi-Kalu, who garnered 3,145 votes, while another contender, Olugu Kalu Ugba, had 961 votes.
Anosike was said to have defeated Okiyi-Kalu virtually in all the 17 local government areas of the state to clinch the ticket.
The PDP adopted the Option A4 direct primary, which was held simultaneously across the 17 local government areas of Abia State, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Anosike’s emergence as PDP governorship candidate in Abia took many by surprise because he was little known within the Abia political space before now, unlike Okiyi-Kalu, who has been an active actor in the state’s political landscape.
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Okiyi-Kalu came into the political limelight when he served in the administration of Chief Theodore Orji as a special assistant to the governor and became Commissioner for Information and later Commissioner for Trade and Commerce during Dr Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration.
After he was declared winner of the primary election, some PDP members described Anosike’s victory as a major milestone for the party as it positions itself to challenge for power in Abia after losing control of the state in the last election.
Party officials described the exercise as largely peaceful and reflective of grassroots participation, with delegates and registered members turning out across the state’s political wards.
“Anosike’s emergence followed a closely watched contest that drew attention across Abia’s political landscape, particularly because of competition from John Okiyi-Kalu, a former Commissioner for Information in Abia State and one of the most visible figures in the previous PDP administration.
“Okiyi entered the race with strong political structures and experience in government communication and administration, making him one of the most formidable contenders in the primary election, but unfortunately, a new sheriff in town defeated him,” said a party chieftain who preferred to remain anonymous.
Anosike, a native of Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state, was said to have joined the PDP during its e-registration exercise and immediately began his underground campaign.
