In a significant boost to his campaign, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Abia State, has been endorsed by over 40,000 farmers under the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). The endorsement was announced on October 1, 2026, by the state chairman of AFAN, Mike Okezie, after meeting with Anosike at his campaign office in Umuahia.
According to Okezie, the association decided to support Anosike due to his proposed agricultural policies and welfare programs, which they believe will improve food security and farmers' welfare in the state. The farmers cited Anosike's Operation Feed Abia, restoration of agricultural extension services, farm mechanization, grants, and other support programs as reasons for their endorsement.
The AFAN members also resolved to mobilize their members across the 17 local government areas to participate peacefully in the election, promote Anosike's agricultural policies in rural communities, and engage with his campaign on agricultural value-chain development. In response, Amb. Empire Kanu, Chairman of the Abia PDP Campaign Council, described Anosike as well-educated and grounded, saying the farmers had made the right choice.
Elder Amah Abraham, the PDP state chairman and deputy governorship candidate, emphasized that the party regards farmers as strategic partners in governance, not just election tools. He pledged that the next PDP administration would nominate a farmer as commissioner for agriculture. Chief Obinna Nwachukwu, Director-General of the Abia PDP Governorship Campaign Council, requested the creation of a Directorate of Farmers within the campaign council, to be headed and populated by AFAN members.
Anosike approved the creation of the directorate, assuring the farmers that they would have a prominent role in his proposed administration. He described governance as a partnership between the state government and farmers, saying they would be an integral part of the next government. Anosike promised to pursue Operation Feed Abia to boost food production and ensure that residents do not go hungry.
Anosike further outlined his plans to restore agricultural extension services, promote modern agronomic practices, reduce excessive chemical use in farming, and empower local governments to provide tractors for land preparation. He also pledged to provide farm grants, promote packaging and standardization of agricultural products for export, revitalize farm settlements, and attract young people into fishery, piggery, poultry, and ranching.
The PDP candidate said his administration would establish a Rural Development Agency to improve rural roads and make agriculture a major driver of employment and wealth creation. Anosike expressed optimism that Abians are responding to issue-based campaigns, adding that the 2027 election would be a "referendum of ideas, not insults."
Key points
- Over 40,000 Abia State farmers under AFAN have endorsed PDP's Kelechi Anosike for the 2027 governorship election.
- Anosike's proposed agricultural policies and welfare programs were key factors in the farmers' endorsement.
- The PDP candidate has promised to prioritize farmers' welfare and boost food production in the state if elected.
