Ebonyi 2027: Odii Says Voters, Not Political Godfathers, Will Decide Governor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate for Ebonyi state, Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii has said the people of m State, rather than individual politicians or political godfathers, will determine who becomes governor in the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, Odii said the election should be conducted as a democratic contest in which all qualified aspirants are free to present their programmes and seek the mandate of the electorate.

He rejected suggestions that any candidate should withdraw from the race because another politician believes he should step down, saying the decision to contest or withdraw rests with the individual candidate.

“The final decision on who governs Ebonyi State rests squarely with the electorate,” Igwe said.

He also responded to comments attributed to Senator Dave Umahi, stating that Umahi did not bring Odii into the governorship race and therefore could not determine whether he should remain in the contest or withdraw.

According to him, Odii has an independent political identity, supporters and convictions, as well as a legitimate ambition to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.

Igwe said the 2027 election should focus on issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of the state, rather than political arrangements negotiated behind closed doors.

He added that Odii was prepared to present his vision and programmes to the people for public scrutiny, while urging other aspirants and political leaders to similarly submit their records to the electorate for assessment.

“Democracy gives every qualified candidate the right to seek the people’s mandate, just as it gives the electorate the power to accept or reject such candidates at the ballot box,” he said.

Igwe maintained that the election should not be reduced to a family arrangement or an agreement among political actors, but should instead remain a contest for the confidence of the people.

He said the people of Ebonyi State would ultimately have the final say on who becomes their governor in 2027.