The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for the 2027 general election in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has criticised the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, alleging that the state has failed to make sufficient progress under the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government.
Odii made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing thousands of supporters in his Isu Achara community, Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
The PDP candidate expressed concern over Ebonyi’s poverty level, describing the situation as alarming and declaring that he was contesting the 2027 governorship election to provide what he described as good governance and economic opportunities for the people.
Odii challenged Governor Nwifuru to present his achievements as both a private citizen and governor, saying he would reconsider his governorship ambition if the governor could demonstrate a stronger record of service to the people.
He said his decision to enter politics was motivated by a desire to contribute directly to the development of Ebonyi, after years of using his personal resources to support people and communities.
According to him, his administration, if elected, would focus on reducing poverty, improving access to education and primary healthcare, supporting farmers, providing access roads to farming communities and strengthening security.
Odii also promised that his administration would avoid what he described as unnecessary “white elephant projects”, saying his priority would be projects capable of directly improving the lives and livelihoods of residents.
He issued a one-year challenge to himself, pledging to tackle issues including youth and women unemployment, access to education, healthcare, communal crises and economic hardship.
“Give me one year. If you see any Ebonyi man or woman hawking, hold me responsible,” Odii said.
He added that his campaign would be anchored on his record of private-sector and community interventions, with the slogan: “Show me what you have done, I will show you what I have done.”
The PDP candidate also called on security agencies in the state to provide a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Odii alleged that security personnel had, in some instances, been used against opposition parties while supporters of the ruling party received preferential protection.
He urged security agencies to remain neutral, protect lives and property and provide adequate security for all political parties to prevent violence and ensure peaceful political participation.
The PDP candidate further explained why his party did not participate in the recently concluded local government and councillorship elections in the state.
According to him, the decision was based on pending court judgements concerning previous local government elections, which he said made participation potentially amount to contempt of court.
Odii said the PDP’s decision was consistent with its commitment to the rule of law.
He urged Ebonyi residents to remain united and focused on the 2027 election, describing it as an opportunity to determine the future direction of the state.
