By Christian Ogbonna
Chief Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii has emerged as the Ebonyi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
Odii, a business mogul and chieftain of PDP, emerged unopposed during the party’s governorship primary election held across the 13 local government areas of the state on Tuesday.
Announcing the result in Abakaliki, the Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee, Mr Olalekan Rotimi, said that Odii polled a total of 8,281 votes to clinch the party’s ticket.
Rotimi said that Odii satisfied all constitutional requirements of the party and secured overwhelming support from delegates across the state.
He stated that the primary election was conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution, describing the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.
According to him, delegates voted massively in support of Odii as the consensus choice of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Odii thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to provide purposeful leadership and work towards returning the PDP to power in Ebonyi State.
The governorship candidate promised to focus on economic development, youth empowerment, infrastructure, education and healthcare if elected governor.
Odii also called on party members to remain united and committed to the collective interest of the PDP ahead of the general elections.
“We must work together as one family to ensure victory for our great party in 2027. This victory belongs to all members of the PDP in Ebonyi.
“Ebonyi can never be consumed and can never be conquered. Ebonyi can never become a personal family business, and we are here for the rescue of our own dear state.
“I don’t need anyone to celebrate me; I don’t need anyone to clap hands or sing praises for me.
“What we are looking for is the task ahead of us, and that task is how to recover Ebonyi for better development.
“It is time for us to bring about good governance, the governance that will benefit born and unborn children, and the governance that will bring good governance to men and women.
“It is about the governance that will bring good welfare to citizens, to the civil servants, to the teachers. It is about the good governance that will bring about a good economy for Ebonyi State, and that’s why I have made myself available to it under the platform of PDP.
“Quote me on record: Ebonyi will never go to darkness again. I am always good in challenging the status quo when the time comes. God blesses people because of their people. I am blessed because of the land of Ebonyi.
“Let the God of the land stand and fight for the liberation of Ebonyi State. I am not scared about their gathering; I am not scared about what the future brings. What I look forward to is the happiness of Ebonyi State, and I believe that happiness is now; there is no other time,” he said.
Chief Chukwuma Igwe, Chairman of the party in the state, described Odii’s emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his leadership qualities and grassroots appeal.
Igwe expressed optimism that the PDP would reclaim the state through unity, mobilisation and effective campaigns.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odii, a philanthropist, was the party’s governorship candidate during the 2023 general elections. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)