The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the February 6, 2027 election in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, has dismissed claims that he has stepped down for Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that he remains in the race.
Odii said he was determined to win the election and tackle hunger and poverty in the state, maintaining that he would not withdraw from the contest for anyone.
He stated this in his hometown of Isu, in the Onicha Local Government Area of the state, during a meeting with journalists on Sunday.
He said his party had given him its ticket and that he was contesting to offer the people of the state better governance, adding that they were yearning for improved leadership. Odii described the insinuation, which he attributed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as political manoeuvring.
“My party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 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. On the issue of whether I would accept a request to step down, I am sure that is just political manoeuvring. I don’t think we have to undermine democracy. I believe every man knows what the Constitution says, whether he is on the APC platform or the PDP platform, or whether he is my uncle.
“As I said, 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. I think you should be able to know me. You know my trajectory and how things have been. I am not even worried about the election because of myself. I have already got people who believe in me. I am very compassionate about how I want things to get better. When I look at how things are happening in Ebonyi, I am saddened.
“We should be talking about certain things and the general interests of the people, the betterment of Ebonyi, not only for today but for tomorrow. Good governance is what we need. Everybody should be concerned about it. 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 government we want to bring will create employment, whether in the media space or in any other profession. That is what I stand for.
“We are doing door-to-door campaigns and reaching out to people. Remember, I have a platform. I talk about family life, and you know that the world is revolving around social media. I have a following of almost three million people across my social media platforms, with followers all over the world. I am there every day, engaging people. Anytime our campaign flag-off is announced, you will see what happens.
“I want to be with my family and the people who believe in me. Every person who is voting in Ebonyi State matters. I have a lot of admirers, and people love me in the South-East. The people on the tricycles and motorcycles were branded with my name and images, so they knew I was the one. They were trooping out to greet me”, he said.
Odii also pledged to expand access to medical education, improve professional competence and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled personnel for the state’s health system. “Records attributed to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria indicate that, of approximately 80,000 medical practitioners on its register, only about 55,000 are practising within Nigeria, with many others reportedly working in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.
“This continuing loss of skilled professionals places an enormous burden on our healthcare system. Nigeria’s doctor-to-population ratio also illustrates the scale of the challenge. The figures presented in many reports suggest a substantial gap between the number of available doctors and the needs of our growing population. In some states, the shortage is particularly acute.
“Behind these figures are real human beings: mothers who need safe deliveries, children who require timely medical attention, families struggling to access specialist care, and communities whose wellbeing depends on the availability of qualified health professionals. The consequences are devastating. Preventable illnesses continue to claim lives, while maternal and infant mortality remain serious public health concerns”, Odii stated.
He said he was contesting the governorship election to set the state on a renewed path of progress, prosperity and sustainable development.
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“I am seeking the votes of my brothers and sisters, our parents, and every registered voter in Ebonyi State. I am doing so because I believe our state can achieve much more, and I am prepared to work with our people to set Ebonyi on a renewed path of progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Having had the privilege of travelling to different parts of the world and experiencing functional systems firsthand, I have come to appreciate that meaningful progress is possible when leadership is purposeful, and institutions are properly managed. Consider our medical professionals who receive their education in Nigeria.”
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