The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has pledged to revive oil production and promote industrial development in Ukwa East Local Government Area as part of his proposed development agenda for the state.

Anosike made the promises during a consultation visit to the area, where he presented his development blueprint, titled Ukwa East: Resource-to-Wealth Initiative. The plan includes efforts to reopen capped oil wells, explore additional hydrocarbon deposits and investigate the commercial potential of silica deposits in the Azumini River area for glass manufacturing.

He explained that he had prepared similar development documents for all local government areas in Abia State, describing the plans as a proposed charter between him and the people.

Anosike, who identified himself as an energy lawyer, said that if elected, he would engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) within his first 100 days in office to review the circumstances surrounding the closure of oil wells in Ndoki land and pursue their reopening.

“I am aware you have capped and blocked oil wells, thereby depriving you of some benefits due to oil-producing communities. Within 100 days in office, I will get the NNPCL to come in here to review and reopen it,” he said.

The PDP candidate added that he would seek the Federal Government's involvement in exploring other hydrocarbon deposits in the area, arguing that additional oil discoveries could create more economic opportunities for the community.

On industrialisation, Anosike said he would invite Chinese experts to conduct soil tests around the Azumini River to determine whether the area's silica deposits were available in commercially viable quantities for glass production.

He also pledged to engage the Federal Government on the proposed Azumini Sea Port, which he described as an important project for the area's economic development.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, Anosike promised to rebuild the collapsed section of Obohia Road and award a contract for the rehabilitation of Ohanku Road within his first 100 days in office.

He further outlined plans to revive Abia Palm, which he said previously employed more than 6,000 workers. According to him, the proposed revival would create opportunities to re-engage former employees while supporting broader economic development.

Anosike said his development vision extended beyond infrastructure to improving people's welfare and creating opportunities for residents.

His running mate and Abia PDP chairman, Elder Amah Abraham, said political parties had disappointed residents in the past but expressed confidence that Anosike's proposed agenda would bring a different approach to governance.

The PDP's Abia South senatorial candidate, Chinyere Onuoha, described Anosike as a new entrant into politics who was committed to fulfilling his promises. She expressed the view that the impact of his proposed programmes would become visible within one year.

Speaking on behalf of the community, President General of the Ndoki Development Union, Chisom Nwachukwu, criticised successive political leaders for what he described as years of neglect of the Ndoki people despite the area's economic potential.

Nwachukwu said the community was more interested in tangible development than campaign money, identifying roads, the revival of Abia Palm and the proposed Azumini Sea Port as major priorities.

He declared the union's support for Anosike following the presentation of his development plans.

The President of the Ndoki Council of Chiefs, Nkem Ogwo, offered prayers for the candidate's success and assured him of Ukwa East's support, while the PDP's House of Assembly candidate, Justice Uchenna, called on residents to support all party candidates.

The meeting ended with the Ndoki Development Union endorsing Anosike as its consensus and sole candidate for the Abia governorship election in 2027.