The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State for 2027, Ifeanyi Odii, has pledged to reposition the state’s economy by reducing its dependence on monthly federal allocations and harnessing its vast agricultural and solid mineral resources to create jobs, tackle poverty and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking in Lagos during an interview on his development agenda, the candidate said Ebonyi possesses the natural endowments to become one of Nigeria’s leading economic hubs but has failed to maximise its potential because successive governments relied heavily on revenue from the Federation Account.

He said his manifesto is anchored on four key pillars: accelerated economic reforms, youth development, promotion of creative industries and creating an enabling environment for private sector-led investments.

According to him, the state’s abundant arable land, solid mineral deposits and tourism potential provide the foundation for building a diversified economy driven by enterprise rather than government spending.

The PDP standard-bearer said his administration would transform agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness by developing integrated value chains across the state’s three senatorial zones.

He explained that while some parts of Ebonyi are suitable for cassava cultivation, others have comparative advantages in maize and rice production, stressing that processing agricultural produce locally would create industries, expand employment and boost internally generated revenue.

He also identified the solid minerals sector as another major growth driver, saying the state would collaborate with the Federal Government to encourage mineral processing and refining despite mining being on the Exclusive Legislative List.

According to him, developing the mining industry would diversify the economy, reduce unemployment and create sustainable wealth for residents.

On governance, the governorship hopeful said institutional reforms, education and healthcare would receive priority attention, arguing that poverty remains one of the greatest challenges confronting Ebonyi.

He maintained that reducing poverty through job creation and improved social services would also help address insecurity, insisting that economic opportunities and technology must complement conventional security measures.

“A hungry man is an angry man. When people have jobs and hope, insecurity naturally declines,” he said.

The PDP candidate also dismissed concerns over the power of incumbency ahead of the election, insisting that political power ultimately resides with the people.

He said his campaign would focus on grassroots mobilisation and voter education to encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process and protect their votes.

On the internal crisis within the PDP, he maintained that there is only one legally recognised party, which is the one led by the incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nyesom Wike. He expressed confidence that the disputes would not affect his chances at the polls.

Addressing recurring communal clashes in parts of the state, he advocated dialogue, economic empowerment and government intervention in resolving land disputes, arguing that poverty and unemployment often fuel violence.

The candidate further promised to create a business-friendly environment to attract local and foreign investors, while exploring alternative sources of electricity, including biogas and rice husks, to support industrialisation.

He also pledged to intensify voter education against vote buying, describing the practice as “selling the future” for temporary financial gain.
While acknowledging ongoing debates over zoning and the Charter of Equity in Ebonyi politics, he argued that competence, vision and capacity to deliver should take precedence over sectional considerations.

Expressing confidence ahead of the governorship election, the PDP candidate said the growing demand for jobs, improved education, quality healthcare and economic opportunities among Ebonyi residents would ultimately shape the outcome of the polls.

He also expressed confidence in the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), headed by Professor Joash Amupitan, to conduct a free, fair and credible 2027 general election, stressing that the determination of the people to vote and protect their votes remains the most critical factor in any election.