The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, has urged Ebonyi people to remain law-abiding and committed to peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Odii made the call in a statement titled “Eyes on the Ball”, made available on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

He urged politicians, stakeholders and residents to place the peace and development of Ebonyi above partisan interests.

The governorship candidate stressed that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, noting that Ebonyi indigenes remained brothers and sisters irrespective of their political affiliations and party loyalty.

The call followed a recent alleged attack on members of the PDP and journalists in the Ezza South Local Government Area by suspected political thugs allegedly from opponents.

Mr Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks, said political contests should be based on records, achievements, impact and deliverables rather than violence, propaganda or personal attacks.

According to him, candidates aspiring to public offices should allow their accomplishments and scorecards to speak for them.

“Going forward, let us allow our scorecards speak for us, both as private individuals and, most importantly, as people who have occupied political or public offices,” Mr Odii said.

The candidate explained that his campaign would be anchored on issues and constructive engagement, adding that the “ANYI GA EMEYA” (his political movement) would avoid politics capable of undermining the unity of the state.

“ANYI GA EMEYA will campaign on issues, facts and constructive criticism; we will not engage in smear propaganda or politics of personal attacks,” he added.

He maintained that Ebonyi politicians should focus on the kind of leadership and development capable of improving the lives of citizens and creating opportunities for future generations.

“Ebonyi needs development, opportunity, prosperity and good governance, and we must pursue these with urgency.

“There is no time to waste when the future of our people and the generations yet unborn is at stake,” he said.

Mr Odii also called on party supporters and political stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process, stressing that the state’s peace should not be sacrificed for political ambitions.

“We are Ebonyi people first before we are members of any political party,” he said.

Mr Odii further said that his campaign policies and programmes would be intentional, reality-based, solution-driven and focused on issues that mattered to the people.

He urged all political actors to embrace tolerance, civility and issue-based campaigns as the 2027 election approached, saying that the collective interest of Ebonyi should remain paramount and above any other personal interests. 

(NAN)