A political drama unfolded on Sunday at the Methodist Church, Okoko Item, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, as the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, disagreed over the cost of living in the state under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The disagreement occurred during the 2026 Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Methodist Church, Diocese of Item, where both political figures expressed contrasting views on the economic situation in Abia State.
The controversy began when Anosike, while addressing the congregation, reportedly described Abia as the most expensive state to live in, raising concerns about the cost of living.
However, Anyaso, who also spoke during the thanksgiving service, strongly disagreed with the PDP governorship candidate, insisting that Abia had become one of the most affordable states to live in under Governor Otti’s leadership.
“Abia is not the most expensive state to live in. Abia State is the cheapest state to live in,” Anyaso declared.
Defending the performance of the Labour Party administration, Anyaso maintained that Abia had witnessed significant positive changes under Governor Otti, adding that residents were no longer willing to return to what he described as the state’s troubled past under the PDP.
“Abians have moved on, and our song has changed under the Labour Party administration of Governor Alex Otti,” he stated.
Anyaso further argued that the current administration had repositioned the state for progress, insisting that the people of Abia were determined to sustain the gains recorded under the Labour Party government.
The exchange highlighted the growing political rivalry between the Labour Party and the PDP in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political actors continue to debate the performance of Governor Otti’s administration.
Despite the political disagreement, Anyaso congratulated the Bishop and members of the Methodist Church, Diocese of Item, on the successful celebration of their 2026 Harvest Thanksgiving Service.
