The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 governorship election, dismissing speculations that he may withdraw from the race in favour of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Odii declared that he remained committed to securing victory at the polls, insisting that his ambition was driven by his desire to tackle hunger, reduce poverty, create employment opportunities and improve governance in the state.
The PDP candidate spoke on Saturday night in his hometown of Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where a large crowd welcomed him to the community.
He maintained that the PDP had given him its mandate through a consensus arrangement and that he was determined to use the opportunity to offer what he described as purposeful leadership to the people of Ebonyi.
Odii also dismissed reports that he could be persuaded to step aside following comments by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who had indicated his intention to approach him over stepping down for Nwifuru.
According to the governorship hopeful, such suggestions amounted to political manoeuvring, adding that democratic principles should be respected irrespective of party affiliations or personal relationships.
He said he respected Umahi but had not received any request from the minister to withdraw from the contest, stressing that he had no intention of abandoning the race.
Odii expressed concern over the economic hardship facing residents of Ebonyi State, arguing that the next administration should prioritise policies that directly improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
He said his proposed government would focus on job creation across different sectors, poverty reduction and policies aimed at ensuring that residents could meet their basic needs.
The PDP candidate also disclosed that his campaign had commenced grassroots mobilisation, including door-to-door engagements, while highlighting his social media following as another avenue for reaching supporters and communicating his vision.
Speaking separately at a homecoming and reunion colloquium organised by the Ebonyi State University Medical Students Association, Odii outlined plans to strengthen education and healthcare if elected governor.
He pledged to reposition Ebonyi State University (EBSU) as a centre of excellence through investments in quality education, research, innovation and professional development.
He also promised to expand access to medical education through bursaries and scholarship opportunities for eligible Ebonyi indigenes studying medicine, alongside continuous professional development programmes for healthcare workers.
Odii described a functional healthcare system as essential to economic growth and social development, warning that the migration of Nigerian medical professionals to other countries continued to place pressure on the country’s health sector.
Citing figures attributed to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, he said approximately 80,000 medical practitioners were on the council’s register, while about 55,000 were reportedly practising within Nigeria.
He argued that inadequate infrastructure, poor working conditions and limited institutional support contributed to the challenges facing the country’s healthcare workforce.
The governorship candidate said his administration would prioritise sustainable investments in medical training, healthcare infrastructure, clinical practice, research and the welfare of health professionals.
Odii also referenced his experience as a member of the Governing Board of Lagos State University, Ojo, saying it had exposed him to institutional governance, planning and reforms that could help strengthen public universities.
He maintained that Ebonyi State had the potential to achieve greater development if its institutions were properly managed and public resources directed towards the needs of residents.
The PDP candidate said his ambition was to place the state on a new path of prosperity, sustainable development and improved public services, urging eligible voters to support his vision in the forthcoming election.
