Ebonyi PDP Candidate Odii Denies Stepping Down for Nwifuru in 2027 Governorship Race
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports that he plans to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race in favour of incumbent Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Odii reaffirmed his commitment to the contest, saying his ambition was driven by the need to tackle poverty, reduce hunger and improve governance across the state.
Speaking with journalists in his hometown of Isu, Onicha Local Government Area, the PDP candidate maintained that he had no intention of abandoning the race, despite speculation about possible political arrangements ahead of the election.
Odii Addresses Umahi’s Position
The candidate’s comments followed reports that Minister of Works David Umahi intended to approach him about stepping down for Nwifuru.
Odii said Umahi had not personally asked him to withdraw, noting that although they share a family relationship, they belong to different political parties. Umahi is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Odii is contesting on the PDP platform.
He described the withdrawal rumours as political manoeuvring and insisted that his decision to contest remained unchanged.
Focus on Jobs and Development
Odii said his proposed agenda for Ebonyi would prioritise job creation, poverty reduction, education and healthcare. He also highlighted plans to strengthen medical education and improve the availability of qualified healthcare professionals.
The PDP candidate expressed his commitment to improving living standards and creating more opportunities for residents, adding that his campaign had continued through grassroots engagement and social media outreach.
He said the date for the formal campaign flag-off would be announced in due course.
The 2027 governorship election is expected to intensify political competition in Ebonyi as parties prepare to present their candidates and programmes to voters.
For now, Odii has maintained that he will remain in the race, insisting that his priority is to secure the mandate to lead the state.
