The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has rejected moves to persuade its 2027 governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, to withdraw from the race in favour of the incumbent Governor Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Odii’s spokesperson, Emma Igwe, said the PDP candidate would remain in the race, despite calls by Minister of Works and former Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, for him to step down for Nwifuru.
Umahi had said he would personally approach Odii and persuade him to withdraw from the governorship contest, arguing that it was not yet the turn of Ebonyi South Senatorial District to produce the governor.
But speaking at the Ebonyi 2027 elections democratic dialogue in Abakaliki, Igwe, who represented Odii, said the PDP candidate had no intention of abandoning his ambition.
He argued that the governorship of Ebonyi State should not be reduced to a family affair, in apparent reference to the relationship between Umahi and Odii.
According to him, Odii has his own political ambition, supporters and political platform, which should be treated separately from any family relationship.
Igwe also challenged the argument that zoning should prevent Odii from contesting the election.
He acknowledged that zoning could promote political inclusion, but argued that it should not be allowed to override what he described as the need to rescue the state.
He said Odii intends to serve for one term with the primary objective of addressing what he described as the state’s current challenges before handing over power.
The development adds another dimension to the emerging contest between Odii and Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Nwifuru, who is seeking a second term on the APC platform, has received strong backing from Umahi, who served as governor of Ebonyi from 2015 to 2023 before moving to the federal cabinet.
The dispute over zoning is likely to remain a major issue in the state’s political calculations as parties intensify their preparations for the 2027 election.
The PDP’s position also comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Ebonyi, where the opposition has previously raised concerns over statements made by some APC leaders regarding political activities ahead of the election.
