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ABAKALIKI Ebonyi State — The Ezza Ezekuna Youth Assembly (EEYA), a prominent socio-cultural organisation in Ebonyi State, has declared its unwavering support for the governorship ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, ahead of the 2027 general election, describing him as the most qualified leader to reposition the state.

At a massive endorsement rally held on Saturday in Ebonyi State, the group adopted the slogan “No Retreat, No Surrender,” insisting that its decision to back Odii was based on his proven record as a successful entrepreneur, wealth creator, philanthropist and advocate of human development.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the event, the National President of EEYA, Comrade Sunday Nelson Orogwu, said the organisation carefully assessed the challenges confronting Ebonyi State before arriving at its decision to endorse the PDP governorship hopeful.

According to him, the state requires a leader capable of restoring unity, rebuilding institutions, revitalising the economy and creating opportunities for young people.

He said Odii possesses the vision and leadership qualities needed to transform Ebonyi State, stressing that he is the only aspirant capable of harmonising the people and laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.

Orogwu maintained that the PDP chieftain has consistently demonstrated commitment to public service through his investments in education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, social services, sports and humanitarian interventions across communities within and outside Ebonyi State.

He further stated that Odii’s track record as a private citizen had earned him widespread recognition and made him the preferred choice for the state’s governorship in 2027.

The endorsement was contained in an 11-page communiqué adopted during the EEYA General Assembly held at the organisation’s Worldwide Secretariat in Onueke between June 27 and June 30, 2026.

Reading the communiqué, Orogwu declared that the endorsement was made “in the spirit of No Retreat, No Surrender,” noting that members were convinced Odii remained the leader capable of uniting Ebonyi people and accelerating the state’s development.

“The person Ebonyi State needs today is one who can harmonise, restructure, rebuild, restore dignity, revive the economy, stop political divisions, industrialise the state, create jobs for the youth and provide purposeful leadership. We have found those qualities in Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii,” he said.

The assembly also cited Odii’s extensive philanthropic activities and contributions to community development as major factors that informed its decision.

Speaking at the rally, the Chief of Staff to EEYA, Chief Elechi Ngwuta, disclosed that the organisation, established in 2021, currently has more than 7,000 registered members across the state.

He lamented what he described as the historical political marginalisation of the Ezza people despite their significant contributions to the development of Ebonyi State.

According to him, successive administrations had failed to accord the Ezza nation its deserved place in the state’s political landscape.

Ngwuta expressed confidence that supporting Odii’s governorship aspiration would provide an opportunity for greater inclusion of the Ezza people in Ebonyi politics while advancing the collective interests of the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Umuekumenyi Leaders Council, Chief Christopher Nwankwo Ngwuta, popularly known as GNG, urged members of the youth assembly to remain united and committed to their cause.

He recalled that several prominent Ezza politicians had, over the years, seen their aspirations for higher political offices frustrated and expressed optimism that Odii’s emergence would usher in a new era of inclusive governance.

He assured the youths that elders of the Ezza nation fully supported their decision, describing the PDP governorship hopeful as a leader committed to serving all Ebonyi people irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

Responding through his representative, Chief Ogbonnaya Igboke, the immediate past Commissioner for Project Monitoring in Ebonyi State and PDP House of Representatives hopeful for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Chief Odii thanked the leadership and members of the assembly for the endorsement.

He assured them that the movement to rescue Ebonyi State from what he described as misgovernance would continue with renewed determination.

“There is no going back because Ebonyi State must be rescued from misgovernance,” Odii declared, urging his supporters not to be intimidated by political opponents.

He expressed confidence that the 2027 governorship election would mark the beginning of what he described as the liberation and transformation of Ebonyi State.

The communiqué endorsing Odii was signed by the National President of EEYA, Comrade Sunday Nelson Orogwu; National Secretary, Comrade Neoke Ikechukwu; Publicity Secretary, Nwafor Samson Iteshi; Women Leader, Mrs. Maryjane Nwafor Ifeoma; alongside coordinators and representatives from Onicha, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Ezza North and Ivo Local Government Areas, underscoring what the organisation described as a unanimous endorsement across its structures in the state.