2027: Group Endorses Odii for Ebonyi Governorship Race
Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii
From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council has endorsed businessman and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State.
The council also called on sons and daughters of Umuekumenyi, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite in the pursuit of sustainable development, peace, economic prosperity and responsible leadership.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday.
The communiqué was signed by the council’s spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Nwankwo.
According to the council, which comprises community leaders, professionals, youth representatives, women leaders, political stakeholders and other concerned citizens from the Umuekumenyi area, the meeting was convened to review the socio-economic and political situation in Ebonyi State and deliberate on the future direction of the state.
The communiqué noted that participants expressed concern over what they described as declining standards of governance, worsening economic hardship, rising youth unemployment and a perceived slowdown in infrastructure and developmental projects across the state.
The council maintained that the choice of Ebonyi State’s next leader should be guided by competence, capacity, vision, accountability and a proven track record of performance, rather than zoning arrangements, political sentiments or geographical considerations.
“The development and progress of Ebonyi State can no longer be subjected to trial-and-error leadership. The overriding criteria for leadership selection must be competence, integrity, vision and an unwavering commitment to good governance,” the communiqué stated.
The group also urged the state government to take urgent steps to address the economic challenges facing residents, including the rising cost of living, unemployment and dwindling business opportunities.
Members further called for greater transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance, alleging a growing disconnect between government institutions and the people.
The communiqué also lamented what the council described as a departure from the developmental vision of Ebonyi State’s founding fathers and urged political leaders and stakeholders to recommit themselves to the principles of unity, equity, development and inclusive governance.
Speaking on the 2027 governorship election, the council welcomed the emergence of aspirants from different parts of the state, describing the development as healthy for democracy and a reflection of growing political participation.
However, it stressed that the overriding consideration should be the emergence of a candidate with the capacity, experience and vision to reposition Ebonyi State and restore its developmental momentum.
The council consequently endorsed Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii, describing him as the most credible alternative for the state’s leadership at this critical period.
“Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii possesses the competence, character, experience and leadership capacity required to drive economic growth, create opportunities for the people and reposition Ebonyi State on the path of sustainable development.
“His accomplishments in the private sector, commitment to philanthropy, investment in human capital development and demonstrated leadership qualities place him in a strong position to provide purposeful leadership for Ebonyi State,” the communiqué added.
The council further appealed to political stakeholders across party lines to place the overall interest of the state above personal and sectional considerations in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
Odii, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election and is widely expected to seek the party’s ticket again ahead of the 2027 contest, is the founder and chairman of Orient Global Group and President/Chief Executive Officer of Ultimus Holdings.
The council expressed confidence that his private-sector experience, entrepreneurial success and development-oriented approach would contribute significantly to the state’s economic transformation if given the opportunity to serve.
