EBONYI PDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, ODII, RULES OUT WITHDRAWAL, VOWS TO END HUNGER

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 governorship race, insisting that he remains determined to contest and win the election.

Odii said his ambition was driven by a commitment to eradicate hunger and poverty, improve governance and place the state on a path of sustainable development.

He made this known during an interview with journalists in his hometown of Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on Saturday night.

The PDP candidate maintained that his party had given him the mandate to contest the election, stressing that he had a lot to offer the people of the state, whom he said were yearning for effective leadership.

Odii also described the reported plan by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to approach him to step down for the incumbent Governor Francis Nwifuru as political manoeuvring.

According to him, his emergence as the PDP candidate through a consensus arrangement reflected the confidence reposed in him by party members.

“My party, the Peoples Democratic Party, gave me its mandate through consensus. That means they found me suitable, but there was a need for intervention. As such, I am contesting to be the governor of Ebonyi State because I have a lot to offer in government,” he said.

On the possibility of stepping down, Odii insisted that he would not abandon the race, adding that democratic principles and constitutional provisions must be respected.

He further stated that he had not received any request from Umahi to withdraw his candidacy, while maintaining that he believed the minister should not ask him to step aside.

“I respect him, but I have not been asked by him to step down, and I don’t think he should ask me to step down. I am contesting, and I want to say that I am still in the race. I am not giving up,” he added.

Odii expressed concern over the socio-economic challenges facing Ebonyi State, saying his ambition was motivated by a desire to improve the living conditions of residents rather than personal interests.

He emphasised that good governance should be the priority of political leaders, regardless of their political affiliations or geographical backgrounds.

“A hungry man does not know whether he is coming from the South or the North. When you are hungry, nobody needs to tell you that you are hungry. We are trying to bring a government that will say goodbye to hunger in Ebonyi State,” the PDP candidate said.

He reiterated his commitment to leading Ebonyi State towards renewed progress, prosperity and sustainable development if elected governor.