The Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council comprising two zones in Ebonyi State have disowned their son and Governor of the state, Francis Nwifuru, backing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ifeanyi Odii in the 2027 governorship election.
Key Highlights:
- Governor Nwifuru’s kinsmen have disowned him and backed PDP candidate Ifeanyi Odii for 2027.
- They cited poor governance, economic hardship, and youth unemployment.
- Leadership should be based on competence, not zoning or sentiment.
- Odii was called the “most credible alternative” due to his private sector background.
- The group launched a new socio-cultural platform for development and good governance.
The zones include Ohaukwu, Ishielu, Ebonyi Abakaliki, lzzi, Ikwo, Ezza South, and Ezza North Local Government Areas.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday and signed by the council’s spokesperson, Emmanuel Nwibo.
The council, which said it comprises community leaders, professionals, youth representatives, women leaders, stakeholders and citizens from the Umuekumenyi area, said the meeting was convened to review the socio-economic and political situation in Ebonyi State and chart a path forward.
According to the communiqué, members expressed concern over what they described as declining governance standards, economic hardship, youth unemployment and a perceived slowdown in developmental activities across the state.
Read Also:
- 2027 poll: Ebonyi ADC throws weight behind Atiku’s presidential bid
- Ebonyi ADC leadership dismisses defection rumours, calls for unity
- Ebonyi ADC ratifies suspension of Onu over anti- party activities
The council argued that the future leadership of Ebonyi State should be determined by competence, capacity, vision, accountability and proven performance rather than considerations of zoning, political sentiment or geographical affiliation.
“The development and progress of Ebonyi State can no longer be subjected to trial-and-error leadership.
“The overriding criteria for leadership selection must be based on competence, integrity, vision and commitment to good governance,” the communiqué stated.
The council also called on the state government to address economic challenges confronting residents, including the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining business opportunities.
Members further urged greater transparency, accountability and public engagement in governance, noting what they described as a growing disconnect between government and the people.
The communiqué lamented what the council termed the abandonment of the developmental vision of Ebonyi State’s founding fathers and called on political leaders and stakeholders to recommit themselves to unity, development, fairness and inclusive governance.
On the 2027 governorship election, the council welcomed the emergence of aspirants from different parts of the state, describing the development as a positive sign for democracy.
It stressed that all aspirants should be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that whoever emerges possesses the capacity to reposition the state and restore its developmental trajectory.
The council, however, singled out Ifeanyi Odii for special commendation, describing him as “the most credible alternative” for the state’s leadership at this critical period.
According to the council, Odii’s background in the private sector and his perceived leadership qualities place him in a strong position to drive economic growth and development in the 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 council encouraged Odii not to be discouraged by political opposition or criticism, urging him to remain focused on his political ambition.
In another resolution, the stakeholders announced the formal recognition of the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council as a socio-cultural platform dedicated to promoting the welfare, development, unity and cultural heritage of the Umuekumenyi people.
The body said it would serve as a platform for advocacy, community development, peacebuilding, leadership engagement and the promotion of good governance.
The council also called on sons and daughters of Umuekumenyi at home and in the diaspora to unite in pursuit of development, peace, economic advancement and responsible leadership.
Reaffirming its commitment to democracy and constitutional governance, the council pledged to continue engaging stakeholders in efforts aimed at building what it described as a prosperous, secure and united Ebonyi State.
It further maintained that the welfare of the people must remain the primary objective of government at all levels.
