The campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has rejected calls for its principal to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race, insisting that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru should instead reconsider his re-election bid.
The organisation, known as Anyi Ga Eme Ya, described the call by former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Hon. Barr. Uchenna Orji, for Odii to step aside in the interest of zoning as misplaced. It accused the Nwifuru administration of lacking direction and failing to deliver on its promises, challenging the governor to a public debate ahead of the 2027 election.
The campaign organisation made its position known in a statement reacting to Orji’s comments on zoning and the outcome of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders Political Summit held on October 20, 2026. It argued that the governor’s performance should be the primary consideration in determining who governs the state beyond 2027, rather than political arrangements allegedly designed to favour the incumbent.
According to the organisation, Ebonyi residents deserve leadership with a clear development agenda, accountability and a commitment to improving their welfare.
Questions Government Projects, Aircraft Purchase
The campaign organisation cited the Vanco flyover project as one of the issues it believes reflects the shortcomings of the current administration. It also questioned the status of three aircraft which it alleged the state government announced it had purchased nearly two years ago, demanding clarification on their whereabouts and delivery.
On the proposed Ebonyi New Cement Company at Nkalagu, the organisation called on the government to provide verifiable information about the project’s status, including the relevant licences and preliminary technical assessments.
It argued that establishing a cement manufacturing plant requires extensive geological investigations and other technical evaluations, insisting that the government should clarify the level of progress made. The organisation maintained that the electorate should assess the administration based on verifiable achievements and its handling of projects and commitments.
The claims and questions raised by the campaign organisation were not independently verified in the statement.
Rejects Zoning Argument, Faults Stakeholders’ Summit
Reacting to Orji’s argument that Odii should withdraw to respect the rotation of the governorship among Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South senatorial zones, the campaign organisation dismissed the position as politically motivated.
It also described the October 20 stakeholders’ summit as a “kangaroo summit”, alleging that its organisers were seeking to secure support for Nwifuru’s second-term ambition. The organisation accused Orji and other supporters of the governor’s re-election bid of placing political interests above the welfare and aspirations of ordinary residents.
It insisted that the choice of the next governor should be determined by leadership records, policy proposals, development priorities and the electorate’s decision. The campaign team added that Odii remained committed to contesting the 2027 election and would not abandon his ambition in response to calls for his withdrawal.
Alleges Intimidation of Opposition
The Anyi Ga Eme Ya organisation also raised concerns about what it described as an atmosphere of intimidation against opposition politicians in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It alleged that Nwifuru had threatened to sack local government chairmen who failed to deliver their areas during the election, describing the alleged threat as an attempt to pressure council officials into supporting the governor’s political ambition.
The organisation further cited reported killings in Ohaukwu and attacks in Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo local government areas as issues requiring attention. It also condemned a reported restriction on opposition parties’ campaigns in the state, arguing that political parties should be allowed to canvass for votes in accordance with democratic principles and the law.
The organisation called on the relevant authorities to protect political actors and their supporters, ensure the safety of residents and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence. It urged security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that political activities ahead of the election take place in a peaceful environment.
The allegations concerning threats against local government chairmen and restrictions on opposition campaigns were not independently verified.
Warns Against Misuse of Odii’s Name
The campaign organisation also cautioned individuals against using Odii’s name to seek government favour, political patronage or personal benefits. It reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as an alternative leadership agenda focused on development, accountability and citizens’ welfare.
The organisation said the debate over zoning should not overshadow public scrutiny of the incumbent administration’s record and the policy proposals of candidates seeking to govern the state.
Challenges Nwifuru to Public Debate
As part of its response to calls for Odii’s withdrawal, the campaign organisation challenged Nwifuru to participate in a public debate with the PDP candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election. It said the proposed debate would provide both politicians with an opportunity to explain their records, present their policies and outline their plans for Ebonyi State.
According to the organisation, the engagement would enable voters to compare the candidates’ positions on governance and development before making their choices. It maintained that the governor should be prepared to defend his administration’s record before the electorate rather than rely solely on political endorsements and zoning arguments.
The campaign organisation reiterated that Odii would continue to engage residents on his governorship ambition and urged them to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation. The statement was signed by the Anyi Ga Eme Ya Campaign Organisation on behalf of Odii, the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State.
