Ebonyi needs new direction, says PDP gov candidate

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The Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chukwuma Odii, has pledged to deliver transformational governance if elected in 2027, declaring that the state deserves visionary leadership capable of unlocking its vast potential through investments in education, infrastructure, human capital development, and institutional reforms.

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Speaking at a consultative meeting with the Ebonyi State business community and professionals in Abuja on Friday, Odii said the state is grappling with poor leadership and urged residents to use the 2027 governorship election as an opportunity to choose a competent and visionary leader.

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The PDP conducted its Ebonyi State governorship primary in May.

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The party is expected to submit the name of its candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission next week following the release of the access code required for political parties to upload candidates’ details.

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Odii pledged to pursue a transformative agenda centred on education, human capital development, infrastructure, tourism, institutional reforms, the rule of law, and security if elected governor.

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The PDP standard-bearer also maintained that Ebonyi has yet to realise its full potential and called on the people to support his bid, saying the state needs a new direction to achieve sustainable growth and development.

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According to him, “What Ebonyi needs today is not sectional politics. What Ebonyi needs today is not division. What Ebonyi needs today is not bitterness. What Ebonyi needs today is leadership. Visionary leadership. Competent leadership. Inclusive leadership. Purpose-driven leadership. Transformational leadership.

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“This is why I stand before you today. Not because I seek power. But because I seek service. Not because I seek position. But because I seek progress. Not because I seek privilege. But because I seek transformation. I offer myself to serve every community, every ward, every local government, every faith, every generation, and every son and daughter of Ebonyi State.

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“As governor, I will launch the most ambitious human capital development programme in the history of Ebonyi State. I will ensure that our youths occupy the commanding heights of the productive economy. I want Ebonyi youths to become employers of labour. I want Ebonyi youths to become exporters. I want Ebonyi youths to become global innovators. I want Ebonyi youths to compete with the best anywhere in the world. Because, as a people, we can. And, as a people, we must.

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“Education in Ebonyi State faces serious challenges. School infrastructure remains inadequate in many communities. Teacher quality and welfare require significant improvement. Learning outcomes remain below expectations. Our tertiary institutions face funding and research limitations.”

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He said neighbouring South-East states, including Anambra, Enugu, Imo, and Abia, have made significant investments in education, innovation, technology integration, and human capital development, stressing that Ebonyi cannot afford to lag behind.

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The PDP candidate continued, “My administration will declare a state of emergency in education, modernise public schools, recruit and retrain teachers, introduce technology-driven learning, expand STEM education, establish innovation hubs, improve tertiary education funding, and create scholarship programmes for exceptional students. Education will become the foundation of our economic transformation.

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“Our greatest resource is not salt. Our greatest resource is not limestone. Our greatest resource is not rice. Our greatest resource is our people. My administration will invest massively in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, technology training, youth employment, women’s empowerment, leadership development, and vocational education. We shall create opportunities that empower our citizens to create wealth and prosperity.

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“We shall build and upgrade rural roads, urban roads, water systems, health facilities, agricultural infrastructure, industrial parks, digital infrastructure, and energy infrastructure. Infrastructure must serve economic growth. Infrastructure must attract investment. Infrastructure must create jobs. Infrastructure must improve lives.

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“Prosperity cannot thrive where institutions are weak. Investment cannot flourish where insecurity persists. Development cannot endure where the rule of law is absent. My administration will strengthen institutions, promote transparency, ensure accountability, protect citizens, and build a modern security architecture capable of safeguarding lives and property. Government must work for the people. Institutions must outlive individuals. The rule of law must reign supreme.”

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