Chief Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi, has debunked rumours that he has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race.
Odii made the clarification on Sunday in an interview with newsmen at his country home in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
“I have no plans to withdraw. I am contesting and I thank God that I am qualified and have what it takes to participate in the race and become the governor of my state,” he said.
Odii said the PDP and the people of Ebonyi had found him suitable for the position, expressing hope that voters would give him the mandate to move the state forward.
“ I am contesting because my party, the PDP, and my people have found me suitable for the position. I want the people to give me the mandate to move Ebonyi forward,” he said.
Commenting on the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi’s reported plan to approach him to discuss stepping down, Odii said he did not believe the minister would ask him to withdraw from the race.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Umahi had recently expressed his intention to approach Odii to discuss his possible withdrawal to sustain the existing zoning arrangement for the governorship position.
Odii acknowledged his relationship with Umahi but suggested that the reported development could be political propaganda.
“Yes, I accept that he is my uncle and I am his nephew, but such comments could be political propaganda. I do not think the minister would even ask me to withdraw from the race,” he said.
While reaffirming his commitment to the contest, the candidate said he believed he had the qualities needed to lead the state.
“My people need me, and I believe I have the qualities to be their governor. My plan is to make Ebonyi better because what we need is good governance,” he said.
According to him, the welfare of the people should take priority over political considerations, including the zoning of the governorship among the state’s three senatorial districts.
“A hungry man does not know whether the governor comes from the South, Central or North. We need a government that will work to take people out of poverty and promote empowerment and development at the grassroots,” he said.
Odii said his campaign had commenced, adding that his team was reaching out to voters through door-to-door mobilisation.
“We are not afraid of the opposition and I am confident that our votes will be counted,” he said.
