Ebonyi professionals endorse PDP gov candidate

The Ebonyi State League of Professionals has endorsed the governorship ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Odii, for the 2027 election, urging the people of the state to place competence, integrity, and performance above zoning considerations.

The endorsement was made on Monday, when members of the professional body unanimously declared their support for the PDP standard bearer, describing him as the most credible candidate to reposition Ebonyi State.

Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the League, Chief Anthony Nweke, said the group’s decision was informed by Odii’s outstanding record of philanthropy and selfless service to the people of Ebonyi State.

According to him, the PDP candidate has over the years invested heavily in human capital development through scholarship awards to indigent students, provision of housing for vulnerable citizens, business mentorship and financial empowerment for youths, and numerous interventions aimed at defending the rights of the oppressed and supporting the less privileged across the state.

“Leadership is about service, compassion and the ability to improve the lives of the people. Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii has demonstrated these qualities consistently long before seeking elective office,” he said.

The League stressed that although it recognises and respects the principle of zoning, it believes that the overriding consideration in 2027 should be the capacity of those seeking public office to deliver good governance.

“We are not against zoning as a political arrangement. However, when the future of Ebonyi State is at stake, competence, character, and proven performance must take precedence. At the moment, we have not seen any other aspirant with the credibility, experience and humanitarian record that Dr. Odii has built over the years,” the group stated.

The professional body also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the present administration under Governor Francis Nwifuru, alleging that many of its campaign promises remain unfulfilled.

The group also criticised what it termed the poor handling of corruption allegations involving some high-ranking government officials, insisting that accountability and transparency must remain the cornerstone of democratic governance.

“The destiny of Ebonyi State and the future of generations yet unborn depend on the choices we make today. We therefore call on our people to vote for performance, integrity and visionary leadership rather than narrow political considerations,” the group said.

The league chair also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and all relevant security agencies to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, peaceful and credible.