By Atlantic Reports

Chief Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, has denied rumours that he has withdrawn from the 2027 election.

Speaking with journalists at his country home in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area, on Sunday, Odii said he remained committed to the contest.

“I have no plans to withdraw. I am contesting and I thank God that I am qualified and have what it takes to participate in the race and become the governor of my state,” he said.

Odii said his party had found him suitable for the position and expressed hope that voters would give him the mandate to lead Ebonyi.

Responds to Reported Umahi Approach

Asked about Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi’s reported intention to discuss his possible withdrawal, Odii said he did not believe the minister would ask him to step down.

Umahi was reported to have proposed approaching Odii over withdrawal in support of the state’s existing governorship zoning arrangement.

Odii acknowledged their family relationship but suggested that the comments attributed to the minister could be political propaganda.

“Yes, I accept that he is my uncle and I am his nephew, but such comments could be political propaganda. I do not think the minister would even ask me to withdraw from the race,” he said.

The interview account did not establish that any meeting or withdrawal discussion had taken place.

Welfare Before Zoning

Odii argued that residents’ welfare should take precedence over political considerations, including the rotation of the governorship among Ebonyi’s three senatorial districts.

“A hungry man does not know whether the governor comes from the South, Central or North. We need a government that will work to take people out of poverty and promote empowerment and development at the grassroots,” he said.

He identified poverty reduction, empowerment and grassroots development as priorities, although the interview did not set out detailed programmes, funding plans or delivery targets.

Odii said his campaign had begun and that his team was conducting door-to-door voter mobilisation.

“We are not afraid of the opposition and I am confident that our votes will be counted,” he said.

His remarks reaffirm his intention to remain in the race, while placing governance and household welfare at the centre of his response to the zoning debate.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.