The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ebonyi State has stepped down for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The State Chairman of the NNPP, Chief Ifeanyi Ojeogu, announced the adoption in Abakaliki when he led party leaders and members to the PDP secretariat to declare their support for Odii.
Ojeogu said the party took the decision because of Odii’s pedigree and the impact he made across the state during the 2023 elections.
The NNPP chairman explained that while the party has its own structure in the state, it had resolved to queue behind Odii to rescue Ebonyi from the APC-led administration.
‘We are not collapsing into PDP. When you see something good in your neighbour’s home and you need that thing, you go close to that person either to beg him or to support him to get it,’ Ojeogu said.
‘This is exactly what we have done by endorsing Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the PDP governorship candidate. As far as the 2027 governorship election is concerned, we the NNPP have resolved and adopted Ifeanyi Odii.’
He added that Odii demonstrated capacity in 2023 and remains the best option to ‘recover Ebonyi State’ in 2027.
Responding on behalf of Odii, Chief Mark Onu, Youth President of the Odii Support Group, assured NNPP members of equal treatment in the PDP.
He urged them not to be deterred by alleged threats against the opposition by the APC-led administration in the state.
‘There is nothing you can do on earth to silence a courageous man because for you to be courageous, you must be determined,’ Onu said.
‘We are determined to recover Ebonyi State. We are determined to work hard to make sure that Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii becomes the governor of Ebonyi State in 2027.’
He said the PDP would do everything lawful to protect its members and supporters, stressing that the party remains committed to providing credible alternatives for the people.
Political observers described the NNPP endorsement as a major boost for the PDP ahead of 2027, noting that opposition parties in the state are beginning to close ranks against the ruling APC.