From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone in next year’s general election, Professor Ifeanyi Odoh, has said that it is difficult to fault the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi anywhere.
He said Obi has good records that can’t be matched. Odoh stated this during a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital, where he formally informed thousands of supporters that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised him as the NDC candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial election in the 2027 general election, following the successful uploading of his name by the NDC in the INEC portal.
“We have a presidential candidate. When you look at our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, he is a man that is difficult to fault anywhere. He is a man whose record speaks for itself. I urge all our supporters, both at home and in the diaspora, to vote for the NDC in the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria has enormous potential, but many young people no longer see a future in the country. Today, many workers can barely survive on their salaries. Justice, fairness, and the rule of law are under serious threat, while insecurity continues to claim innocent lives”, he said.
He said the Senate offers enormous opportunities for development, lamenting that many lawmakers have failed to maximise its potential for the benefit of their constituents.
Odoh, a former Secretary to Ebonyi State Government (SSG) and former Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, said his background as a professor of Geophysics would enable him to make meaningful contributions in the Senate, particularly in the areas of education, solid minerals, water resources, environmental management, healthcare, technology, and food security if elected.
“The Senate is a place of enormous opportunities for anyone who understands how to utilise them. It is an opportunity we must stop wasting. As a geoscientist with specialisation in geophysics, solid minerals, water resources, and environmental management, I possess knowledge that can positively influence national policies and attract development for our people.
“My expertise will be relevant in committees dealing with education, natural resources, the environment, and related sectors. I became a professor at the age of 38, and I believe my experience and professional background will enable me to contribute meaningfully to legislative debates and policymaking.
“I have extensive exposure beyond Ebonyi State. If elected, I will not be a silent senator. I will vigorously pursue policies that improve healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and the overall welfare of the people of Ebonyi Central and the state at large,” he said.
Odoh expressed confidence in his ability to represent the district effectively, citing his track record as Secretary to State Government between 2015 and 2018.
He said his commitment to accountability led him to voluntarily invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate his stewardship after leaving office.
“I served as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government from May 2015 to April 2018, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the only public official in Nigeria who voluntarily invited the EFCC to investigate his tenure after leaving office.
“While in government, I treated everyone fairly. Whenever I had the opportunity to facilitate employment for qualified people, I did so at both the state and federal levels.
“Before joining the government, I worked at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. When I arrived in 2009, only about four people from my area were employed there. By the time I left to contest elections in 2015, that number had increased to 52.
“I am committed to the welfare of our people and guided by principles. The circumstances surrounding my exit from government in 2018 are well known. I remain grateful to the former governor who appointed me, but we parted ways because of differences in principles.
“I harbour no bitterness against anyone. I simply speak my mind, pursue my convictions, and remain focused on my goals,” he said.
