The Anyi Ga Eme Ya campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has rejected calls for its principal to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race, insisting that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, rather than Odii, should step aside.
The campaign organisation described the call by former Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Hon. Barr. Uchenna Orji, as misplaced, arguing that Governor Nwifuru had failed to justify his continued stay in office.
Reacting to Orji’s position on zoning and the outcome of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders Political Summit held on October 20, 2026, the organisation accused the Nwifuru administration of lacking vision, direction and tangible achievements.
“It is rather Nwifuru who should resign. A man without pedigree who found himself in the wrong place, to the detriment of Ebonyi people. A man without vision. A governor who has failed, with nothing substantial to show,” the organisation declared.
According to the campaign team, Ebonyi State deserves a purposeful leader with a clear development agenda capable of liberating the people from what it described as irresponsible governance.
Vanco Flyover, Aircraft Purchase, Cement Factory
The organisation cited the Vanco flyover project as a symbol of what it described as the administration’s poor performance, arguing that the project reflects the shortcomings of the incumbent government.
It also questioned the status of three aircraft which it said the state government announced it had purchased nearly two years ago, alleging that their non-arrival raised questions about the credibility of the administration’s promises.
The campaign team further challenged the government to provide verifiable information on the proposed Ebonyi New Cement Company at Nkalagu, alleging that the project had been presented as imminent despite questions about the required licence and preliminary technical assessments.
It maintained that establishing a cement manufacturing plant requires extensive geological investigations and other technical assessments, insisting that the government should be transparent about the project’s actual status and readiness.
The organisation argued that an administration unable to provide clear and credible answers about its promises should not expect the electorate to endorse it for another four years.
Zoning and Summit of ‘Bread-and-Butter’ Politicians
Reacting to Orji’s argument that Odii should withdraw from the 2027 race to respect the rotation of the governorship among Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South senatorial zones, the campaign organisation dismissed the position as politically motivated.
It described the October 20 stakeholders’ summit as a “kangaroo summit”, accusing its promoters of using it to endorse what it called a failed administration for a second term.
The organisation also accused Orji and other political actors supporting the governor’s re-election bid of prioritising political patronage over the welfare and aspirations of ordinary Ebonyi people.
“Without wasting our time on the former commissioner, Uchenna Orji, who was part of the bread-and-butter politicians who used a kangaroo summit to endorse a failed government for a second term, the incoming Governor, His Excellency, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has vowed to remain with the people,” the campaign team stated.
It maintained that the decision on who governs Ebonyi State beyond 2027 should be based on leadership capacity, performance, vision and the people’s mandate rather than political arrangements advanced to favour an incumbent.
The organisation insisted that Odii would not abandon his aspiration to govern the state in response to what it described as politically orchestrated calls for his withdrawal.
Resort to Violence, Intimidation of Opposition
The Anyi Ga Eme Ya organisation also accused the Nwifuru administration of creating an atmosphere of intimidation against opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It alleged that the governor had threatened to sack any local government chairman who failed to deliver his area during the election, describing such an alleged threat as an attempt to pressure local government officials into supporting the incumbent’s political ambition.
The organisation further cited reported killings in Ohaukwu and attacks in Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo local government areas as reasons for concern over the political atmosphere in the state.
It also condemned a reported statement banning opposition parties from campaigning in Ebonyi, describing the alleged restriction as inconsistent with democratic principles and the constitutional rights of political parties to canvass for votes.
The campaign team called on the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of political actors and their supporters, protect the rights of opposition parties and prevent political disagreements from degenerating into violence.
It stressed that elections should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, freedom and fair competition, with the electorate allowed to make informed choices without intimidation.
Warns Against Use of Odii’s Name for Patronage
The campaign organisation warned individuals against using Odii’s name to seek government favour, political patronage or personal benefits.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Ebonyi State, insisting that its principal remained focused on offering an alternative leadership vision that prioritises development, accountability and the welfare of citizens.
The organisation said the growing political debate surrounding zoning and the 2027 governorship election should not distract from the need to assess the incumbent administration’s record and the competing plans of those seeking to govern the state.
Challenges Nwifuru to Public Debate
As part of its challenge to the incumbent governor, the Anyi Ga Eme Ya campaign organisation has called on Nwifuru to participate in a public debate with Odii ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
It said the proposed debate would provide both political leaders with an opportunity to present their records, explain their policies and outline their respective plans for the future of Ebonyi State.
According to the organisation, a public debate would enable the electorate to compare the candidates’ vision, competence and proposed development programmes before deciding who deserves their votes.
It maintained that the governor should be prepared to defend his administration’s performance before the people rather than rely on political endorsements and zoning arguments.
The campaign organisation reiterated that Odii remained committed to his governorship ambition and would continue to engage the electorate on the need for a change in leadership.
It urged Ebonyi residents to remain politically vigilant, reject intimidation and insist on accountable leadership as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Signed:
Anyi Ga Eme Ya Campaign Organisation
For Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, PDP Governorship Candidate, Ebonyi State.
