The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Prof. Ben Ifeanyi Odoh, has described the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as a leader with the capacity and integrity to move Nigeria forward.

Odoh said Obi’s record in public service makes him one of the few politicians whose performance speaks for itself.

He spoke in Abakaliki during a town hall meeting where he formally informed supporters that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognised him as the NDC candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial election following the successful upload of his name on the commission’s portal.

“We have a presidential candidate. When you look at His Excellency Peter Obi, he is a man who is difficult to fault.

“He is a man whose record speaks for itself and is ready to take Nigeria to greater heights. I urge all our supporters, both at home and in the diaspora, to vote for the NDC in the 2027 general elections,” he said.

Odoh lamented the country’s economic and security challenges, saying many young Nigerians no longer see a future in the country.

“Nigeria has enormous potential, but many young people no longer see a future here. 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 added.

The former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government said the Senate offers enormous opportunities for development but noted that many lawmakers had failed to maximise its potential for the benefit of their constituents.

Odoh, a former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Professor of Geophysics, said his academic and professional background would enable him to contribute meaningfully to legislation, particularly in education, solid minerals, water resources, environmental management, healthcare, technology and food security.

“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 specialising in geophysics, solid minerals, water resources and environmental management, I possess knowledge that can positively influence national policies and attract development to 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 also expressed confidence in his ability to represent the district effectively, citing his record as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government between 2015 and 2018.

According to him, his commitment to accountability was demonstrated when he voluntarily invited 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 my 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 government, I worked at 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,” Odoh said. (Vanguard)

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