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Controversy has erupted in Ebonyi State over the endorsement of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, by medical students, following claims that efforts were being made to disown the declaration as a fresh support group endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for a second term.
The controversy followed the endorsement of Odii by members of the Ebonyi State University Medical Students’ Association (EBSUMSA) during their homecoming and reunion colloquium held on October 9, 2026, at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
The students reportedly expressed confidence in Odii’s capacity to improve medical education and transform the state’s health sector if elected governor in the February 6, 2027 election.
Represented at the event by Moses Idika, Director of Media and Publicity of Anyi G’Emeya, Odii pledged to transform Ebonyi State University into a centre of excellence, expand access to medical education and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for the state’s health system.
He said the difference between the working conditions of Nigerian-trained medical professionals and those abroad underscored the need for better facilities, stronger institutional support and responsible leadership.
“Our vision is to transform Ebonyi State University into a true centre of excellence, recognised for quality education, research, innovation, and professional development,” Odii said.
However, a source familiar with the students’ association alleged that concerns arose after reports circulated that the endorsement had not been made by students, but by farmers and market traders.
The source, who requested anonymity for fear of possible repercussions, insisted that the endorsement was made by members of EBSUMSA and that the students were surprised by claims suggesting otherwise.
“It was on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, that all of us members of the Ebonyi State University Medical Students’ Association endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, and gave him an award of recognition for what he stands for and represents in the medical profession and his support for us,” the source said.
The source added that members were subsequently surprised by a claim that the endorsement had been made by farmers and market people rather than students, insisting that the association’s position had been misrepresented.
Separately, a political analyst in the state alleged that student leaders had been summoned by the state government and directed to reject the endorsement. The allegation could not be independently verified, and there was no official response from the government to the claim.
The analyst questioned the alleged move, arguing that student groups should be free to assess political candidates and express their preferences without pressure. The analyst also alleged that subsequent endorsements of Nwifuru were intended to counter the publicity generated by the students’ declaration.
In a related development, a Tinubu support organisation in Ebonyi on Monday endorsed Nwifuru for a second term, pledging to mobilise grassroots support for his re-election.
The development has added to the political exchanges ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the competing endorsements highlighting the efforts by the two leading political camps to demonstrate support among students, organised groups and grassroots constituencies.
Neither the alleged directive to student leaders nor the claim that the governor’s fresh endorsements were organised to counter Odii’s support has been independently established.
The central question remains whether the students’ endorsement accurately reflects the association’s position and whether its members can freely express their political preferences without interference.
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