Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, who ran for governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State during the 2023 elections, has formally announced his intention to contest again in 2027. He asserted that this time, his mandate will not be taken away.
Speaking after submitting his nomination forms and successfully passing the PDP screening panel in Abuja, Odii emphasized that Ebonyi urgently needs capable leadership. He pointed to rising poverty and insecurity in the state despite increased federal allocations, arguing that the current administration has failed to improve living standards or boost the economy.
Odii stressed that democracy requires a strong opposition, and any government that suppresses dissent is dictatorial. He dismissed criticisms about his origins, stating that he is an Ebonyi State citizen first, not defined by clan or local government. He vowed to reject identity-based politics and focus on development.
Expressing confidence in securing the PDP primary, Odii assured the party and his supporters that their mandate would be protected in 2027, unlike the previous election. He called for unity and constructive opposition to drive progress in Ebonyi.