Abia PDP Guber Primary: JOK Camp Alleges Deceit, Betrayal in Kelechi Anosike’s Emergenc

Fresh controversy has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State following explosive allegations from the camp of former Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu (JOK), over the conduct of the party’s governorship primary election held on May 25, 2026.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the JOK Media Team, the former governorship aspirant accused key figures within the Abia PDP leadership of orchestrating what it described as an elaborate scheme of “deceit and betrayal” that led to the emergence of Kelechi Anosike as the party’s governorship candidate.

According to the statement, Chief Okiyi Kalu had initially been assured by the Abia PDP State Chairman, Amah Abraham, that former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had directed party leaders to deliver him as the consensus governorship candidate. The media team claimed that based on those assurances, JOK suspended several planned consultations with ward leaders and scaled down grassroots mobilisation activities.

However, the situation reportedly changed after intelligence emerged suggesting that some individuals allegedly acting in the name of former Governor Ikpeazu had begun mobilising support for Kelechi Anosike within Obingwa Local Government Area and the Abia South Senatorial Zone.

The statement further alleged that despite repeated concerns raised to Dr. Ikpeazu, the PDP state chairman and members of the state working committee proceeded with arrangements to ensure Anosike’s emergence through what the JOK camp described as a manipulated process.

According to the allegations, party leaders and local government chairmen were allegedly induced financially to support Anosike’s candidacy during the controversial exercise. The media team also insisted that Chief Okiyi Kalu and his supporters were never formally informed about any direct primary election, nor were they asked to submit agents or participate in collation processes.

“AT NO TIME WERE WE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY DIRECT PRIMARY ELECTION,” the statement emphasized, insisting that the process lacked transparency and fairness.

The JOK camp claimed that the Abia PDP leadership used the name of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu throughout the process, though the former governor allegedly denied authorising the actions when contacted privately by Okiyi Kalu’s team.

Despite the grievances, the statement revealed that Chief Okiyi Kalu has no intention of instituting legal action against the party or challenging the outcome in court. According to the media team, the former commissioner believes he cannot force himself on party leaders whom he accused of prioritising money and political manipulation over party integrity.

The statement also disclosed that JOK had informed Dr. Ikpeazu that he was not interested in any refund of campaign expenses and would instead consult with supporters on the next political direction to take.

In one of the strongest parts of the statement, the media team warned that if any aspect of its claims is disputed, it possesses audio recordings, video evidence and text communications that could be made public.

The controversy now adds another layer of tension within the Abia PDP ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with political observers warning that the allegations could deepen internal divisions within the party if not properly addressed.