By Nkechinyere Ewa
A socio-cultural and political pressure group, the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council, has endorsed former governorship candidate of PDP and businessman, Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday and signed by the council’s spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Nwobo.
The council, made up of community leaders, professionals, women and youth representatives, traditional stakeholders and other prominent sons and daughters of Umuekumenyi, said the meeting was convened to review the political, economic and social realities in Ebonyi State and chart a course for the future.
Rising from the meeting, the stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as worsening economic hardship, increasing youth unemployment, declining business opportunities and a slowdown in the pace of development across the state.
The council maintained that the choice of Ebonyi’s next governor should not be driven by zoning arrangements, political patronage or sectional interests but by competence, character, vision and the ability to deliver good governance.
According to the communiqué, the state has reached a critical stage where leadership must be entrusted to individuals with proven records of performance, integrity and commitment to the public good.
“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 competence, integrity, vision, accountability and commitment to good governance,” the council stated.
The stakeholders further called on the government to intensify efforts towards addressing the economic challenges confronting residents, particularly rising living costs, unemployment and declining opportunities for small and medium-scale businesses.
They also advocated increased transparency, accountability and public participation in governance, stressing that government policies and programmes should reflect the aspirations and welfare of the people.
The council lamented what it described as the gradual erosion of the development vision of Ebonyi State’s founding fathers and urged political leaders across party lines to place the state’s collective interest above personal or sectional considerations.
While welcoming the growing number of aspirants seeking to govern the state in 2027, the council described the development as a healthy sign of democratic participation and political inclusion.
It, however, insisted that all aspirants must be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny to ensure that the eventual occupant of the Government House possesses the capacity, experience and leadership qualities required to reposition the state.
The stakeholders particularly singled out Chief Odii for commendation, describing him as a leader whose private-sector accomplishments, philanthropic activities and commitment to human capital development have earned him widespread support across the state.
The council said after a careful assessment of the political landscape and available options, it found Odii to be the most credible alternative for Ebonyi’s future leadership.
“After a thorough review of the challenges confronting Ebonyi State and the qualities required to move the state forward, the council is convinced that Chief Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Odii represents the most credible alternative at this critical point in our history. Consequently, we hereby adopt him as our preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election,” the communiqué read.
The council urged Odii to remain steadfast in the pursuit of his political aspiration and not be distracted by criticism or opposition.
In a separate resolution, the stakeholders formally unveiled the Umuekumenyi Leaders’ Council as a socio-cultural platform committed to the promotion of peace, unity, community development, cultural heritage and good governance among the Umuekumenyi people.
The body pledged to serve as a vehicle for constructive engagement, advocacy and leadership development while fostering stronger collaboration among Umuekumenyi communities both at home and in the diaspora.
It called on all sons and daughters of Umuekumenyi to unite in pursuit of peace, economic progress and sustainable development, while reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and the advancement of Ebonyi State.
The council stressed that the ultimate purpose of leadership must remain the welfare, security and prosperity of the people.
