By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council has endorsed businessman and former governorship aspirant, Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday and signed by the council’s spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Nwibo. The council said the meeting reviewed the socio-economic and political situation in Ebonyi State and discussed the way forward.
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According to the communiqué, participants expressed concern over declining governance standards, worsening economic hardship, youth unemployment and a slowdown in developmental activities across the state. The group urged the government to address rising economic challenges, including the high cost of living and declining business opportunities.
The council maintained that the future leadership of Ebonyi State should be determined by competence, accountability and vision rather than zoning arrangements or political sentiment. It stressed that leadership selection must focus on integrity, capacity and commitment to good governance.
The stakeholders also lamented what they described as the abandonment of the developmental vision of Ebonyi’s founding fathers and called on political leaders to recommit themselves to unity, fairness, development and inclusive governance.
Speaking on the 2027 governorship election, the council welcomed the emergence of aspirants from different parts of the state but stressed the need for proper scrutiny to ensure the emergence of a capable leader.
The council singled out Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii for commendation, describing him as “the most credible alternative” for the state’s leadership. According to the group, Odii’s private sector background and leadership qualities position him to drive economic growth and development in Ebonyi State.
“After careful consideration, the council views Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii as the most credible alternative at this moment in our history and hereby adopts him as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State,” the communiqué stated. The stakeholders also encouraged him to remain focused despite political opposition or criticism.
The council announced its formal recognition as a socio-cultural platform committed to promoting the welfare, unity, development and cultural heritage of the Umuekumenyi people. It said the body would serve as a platform for advocacy, peacebuilding, leadership engagement and the promotion of good governance.
Reaffirming its commitment to democracy and constitutional governance, the council called on sons and daughters of Umuekumenyi at home and in the diaspora to unite in pursuit of peace, economic advancement and sustainable development, while pledging continued engagement with stakeholders towards building a prosperous and united Ebonyi State.
