Abia state governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) in the 2027 general elections, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has dismissed allegations making the rounds that he is a new member of the party in the state.
Anosike explained that he joined the PDP in 2005 and has remained an active member of the party, despite not having held any government or party position.
Anosike who emerged candidate of the party last Sunday,in an interview with journalists in Umuahia, explained that those whom he alleged joined the PDP during the ‘social media era’ and do not know his journey with the PDP, have been questioning his membership of the party.
The governorship candidate disclosed that he contested for the House of Representatives ticket for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal Constituency seat in 2011 on the platform of the PDP, but couldn’t secure the party’s nomination for the position.
He added that he has served on several national party and federal government committees and assignments with commendations.
He said;”My membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is being questioned in some quarters, particularly by those who joined the party in the social media era and may not be familiar with our history and journey over the years.
“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.
“I became a member of the PDP in 2005, long before politics became dominated by social media narratives and online visibility.
“Though I have not held a party position or served in government within Abia State, I have remained an active and committed member of our party over the years, contributing in different capacities and supporting the growth and sustenance of the PDP at both national and local levels.
“I have served on several national party and federal government committees and assignments with commendations. I also authored the biography of former President Olusegun Obasanjo titled: “Olusegun Obasanjo: The Man, The Message, The Movement.”
“In 2011, I contested for the House of Representatives ticket for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency on the platform of the PDP. I participated fully in the democratic process but did not secure the party’s nomination.
“Before then, in 2007/2008, I sought to serve our great party at the national level by contesting for the position of Deputy National Financial Secretary during the PDP National Convention in Enugu. The office was eventually zoned elsewhere. That was the same convention that produced the late Sir Vincent Ogbulafor as National Chairman of our great party.
“When those opportunities did not materialize, I did not leave the PDP. I stayed because I understand that loyalty matters.
“There are loyal party members who labour quietly behind the scenes, support party structures, keep faith during difficult moments, and remain steadfast through changing political seasons.”
He also explained that membership of a political party is not only about winning elections and securing appointments, but also about sacrifice and contribution to party growth.
“I understand that party membership is not only about winning elections, securing appointments, or occupying positions. It is about commitment, sacrifice, and standing with your political family in both victory and defeat.
“Over the years, I have personally supported and maintained my Nkwoegwu Ward party office and contributed to sustaining our party structure in Umuahia North LGA.
“For me, PDP is not a seasonal relationship. PDP is family. PDP is home. When our great party lost in 2023, I felt the pain deeply.Not because I held any office or benefited from government, but because I could not bear to see our great party lose control of our beloved state.”
Anosike, however, assured that he will help to reposition the PDP and return it to a party of first choice in the State.
“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.
“Not all of us can hold office at the same time.While we appreciate and respect those who have held positions in the party and government over the years, we must also recognise and honour those who remained faithful, supportive, and committed even without occupying office.”
