By Abraham Ovuoba
An emerging group known as the Unuekumenyi Council Leaders has adopted Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Abakaliki on Saturday.
The council said its concern was not merely political but fundamentally rooted in what it described as the urgent need to strengthen good governance, and reposition the state on the path of sustainable development.
According to the communiqué signed by spokesperson Emmanuel Nwodo, Ebonyi State must prioritize leadership selection based on integrity, performance, and accountability rather than political sentiment, or zoning considerations..
“The future of Ebonyi State depends on leaders who can deliver measurable development outcomes. Governance must be anchored on competence, transparency and service delivery,” the council stated.
The council further stressed that good governance must reflect in improved living standards, functional public services, transparent management of resources and effective execution of public projects.
The council also warned that failure to strengthen governance systems could widen the gap between government and citizens and urged leaders to recommit to the founding principles of unity, equity, and progress.
The council further called on political office holders and stakeholders to uphold the ideals that guided the creation of the state, stressing that governance must always reflect the aspirations of the people rather than narrow political interests.
The council also urged the government to address what it described as gaps in project execution and service delivery, emphasizing the need for transparent governance and greater citizen engagement.
While maintaining its focus on governance reform, the council noted the emergence of several governorship aspirants across Ebonyi State’s senatorial zones, describing it as a healthy democratic development that should be guided by issue-based evaluation rather than political patronage.
The group, however, expressed support for Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, describing him as a credible figure whose private-sector background and leadership experience position him as a potential driver of governance reform and economic revitalization in the state.
“Ebonyi State needs leadership that will restore confidence in governance, attract investment and strengthen institutional accountability,” the communiqué noted.
The group further emphasized that good governance must remain the central criterion in evaluating all aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that the electorate must be given the opportunity to choose leaders based on performance credentials.
It also called for unity among sons and daughters of Unuekumenyi, urging them to support initiatives that promote peace, development, and accountable leadership across Ebonyi State.
