2027: Ebonyi PDP Governorship Candidate Odii Dismisses Rumours of Withdrawal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports that he intends to withdraw from the 2027 governorship election in favour of Governor Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Odii reaffirmed his commitment to the contest on Sunday while speaking with journalists at his hometown of Isu, in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He said he remained determined to pursue his governorship ambition, insisting that the PDP had given him its mandate to contest the election.

The candidate described speculation about his possible withdrawal as political manoeuvring, adding that he had not been asked by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside for Nwifuru.

Although he acknowledged his family relationship with Umahi, Odii maintained that their political affiliations were different and that his decision to contest was based on his commitment to the people of Ebonyi State.

“I am contesting, and I want to say that I am still in the race. I am not giving up,” he said.

Umahi had reportedly expressed his intention to approach Odii to discuss withdrawing from the race, citing the need to maintain the state’s governorship zoning arrangement.

Odii, however, argued that the election should be determined by voters rather than family relationships or political arrangements.

He said his ambition was driven by the need to improve living conditions in Ebonyi, particularly by addressing hunger, poverty and unemployment.

According to him, his proposed administration would prioritise good governance, economic opportunities and the welfare of residents.

“We are trying to bring a government that will say goodbye to hunger in Ebonyi State. The government we want to bring will create employment,” he said.

Odii also disclosed that his campaign team had begun door-to-door mobilisation and engagements with residents ahead of the election. He said the formal campaign flag-off would be announced in due course.

The PDP candidate’s declaration comes amid political discussions over zoning and possible alliances ahead of the 2027 Ebonyi governorship election, with the contest expected to feature competing interests within and outside the ruling APC.