The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has dismissed claims suggesting that he plans to abandon his 2027 ambition and support Governor Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Odii stated that he will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest, saying that any publication suggesting otherwise is false and does not represent his position.
Key Highlights
- Ebonyi PDP governorship candidate Ifeanyi Odii says he will not step down from the 2027 race.
- He dismissed reports that he plans to support Governor Francis Nwifuru of the APC.
- His spokesperson, Emmanuel Igwe, described the claims as a narrative from his opponents.
- The Odii camp demanded a retraction or correction of the publication within 24 hours.
- The statement urged journalists and bloggers to separate political speculation from verified fact.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Emmanuel Igwe and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
The statement said Odii remains committed to the 2027 governorship contest, insisting that there is no discussion, persuasion or negotiation with any individual or group to abandon his ambition.
“The publication suggesting that Anyichuks will withdraw is viewed by the Odii camp as a political narrative coming from those opposed to his candidacy.
“Those responsible for such claims should produce the evidence upon which they based their assertion. Where no statement exists from Chief Odii announcing a withdrawal, the public should not be misled into believing that such a decision has been made,” the statement said.
Read also:
- 2007: Nwifuru Hasn’t Done Enough To Deserve Second Term, PDP Guber Candidate Declares
- Ebonyi PDP Guber Candidate Demands Accountability From Nwifuru Administration
- 2027: l Won’t Get Tired Untill Ebonyi Is Liberated From Bad Governance, PDP Guber Candidate Declares
Odii Camp Demands Retraction Within 24 Hours
It advised journalists and bloggers to exercise the highest level of professionalism when reporting political developments, adding that there is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw.
“The first is an expression of another person’s intention. The second is a claim about Chief Odii’s decision and requires evidence.
“The media has a responsibility to inform the public accurately and should not manufacture political decisions on behalf of candidates.
“We therefore call on the publishers of the story to retract or prominently correct the publication within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Chief Odii establishing that he has decided to withdraw.
“Failure to distinguish political speculation from verified fact is inconsistent with responsible journalism. Journalists, bloggers and social-media publishers are reminded that freedom of expression carries responsibilities under Nigerian law,” Igwe added.
For more political news, follow us on X.
