2027: Abia Farmers Adopt PDP’s Anosike, Say Operation Feed Abia Will End Hunger

The Abia State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has adopted the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kelechi Anosike, as its preferred candidate for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.

The farmers, who said they have a membership strength of about 40,000 across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, announced the adoption on September 30, 2026, in Umuahia, during a visit to Dr. Anosike at his campaign office.

Speaking during the visit, the Abia AFAN President, Bar. Obi Okezie, said the group’s decision was informed by Anosike’s Welfarist Government agenda which it said most directly addresses the challenges facing farmers and food production in Abia.

The association listed eight reasons for adopting Anosike, including his proposed Operation Feed Abia (OFA) which places food security at the centre of governance, restoration of agricultural extension services, farm mechanization with tractors, farm grants, revitalization and digitalization of farm settlements, rural development through roads, electricity and markets, and making agriculture a source of jobs and wealth.

“For us as farmers, the question is fundamental: Who will feed Abia? Who will support the farmer? Who will make agriculture productive again?” the association queried.

AFAN said it has resolved to mobilize its members across the 17 LGAs to participate peacefully in the election, promote Anosike’s agricultural policies, encourage members to get their PVCs, and engage his campaign on issues affecting farmers.

The statement called on other groups in Abia – traders, artisans, civil servants, teachers, youths, students and professionals – to examine all policy programmes before them and decide who best addresses their interests.

Responding, Chairman of the Abia PDP Campaign Council, Ambassador Empire Kanu, said farmers made the right choice, describing Anosike as well-educated and grounded and assuring he will replicate the agricultural blueprint of late Dr. M.I. Okpara and bring modern equipment like the Apache farm machinery from Argentina.

State Chairman of PDP and Deputy Governorship Candidate, Elder Amah Abraham, said under the PDP, farmers will be treated as strategic partners in policy formulation, not just election tools, and pledged that a farmer will be nominated as Commissioner for Agriculture.

Director General of the Campaign Council, Chief Obinna Nwachukwu, requested the creation of a Directorate of Farmers in the council to be headed and populated by AFAN members.

Accepting the endorsement, Dr. Anosike approved the creation of the Directorate, saying its membership will spread across the 17 LGAs, 184 wards and polling units.

“Farmers will be an integral part of the next government. It will be a partnership between the state government and Abia farmers. They’ll have a pride of place,” Anosike said.

He promised to pursue Operation Feed Abia to ensure no Abian goes to bed hungry, bring back extension workers to stop over-chemicalization that blocks export, empower LGAs to offer free bush clearing with tractors, provide farm grants, promote packaging for export, revitalize farm settlements to attract youths into fishery, piggery, poultry and ranching, and open rural roads.

Anosike said he was happy that Abians are embracing issue-based campaigns, noting that the 2027 election will be a referendum of ideas, not insults.