By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has said politics must not remain one of the state’s biggest employers, arguing that reliance on political patronage is hindering innovation, productivity and economic growth.

Speaking at a dinner organised by the Ebonyi Business Community and Friends in Abuja, Odii said he was seeking the governorship to address what he described as a leadership deficit and improve governance in the state.

He argued that Ebonyi had abundant human and natural resources but had yet to realise its full potential because of poor leadership.

“No society can compete globally when its highest employer is politics rather than productivity and innovation. Today, too many young men and women aspire not to become innovators, scientists, engineers, software developers, or business owners. Instead, many aspire to become political appointees. Many seek patronage rather than productivity. This trend is dangerous,” Odii said.

He said his administration would focus on human capital development by equipping young people with skills in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, software development, renewable energy, data analytics and mechanised agriculture. He also pledged to improve infrastructure, primary healthcare, security and the development of the state’s solid mineral resources.

“The tragedy is not the lack of potential; the tragedy is a failure of leadership and vision,” he said.

Paying tribute to Ebonyi’s founding fathers, including Dr Akanu Ibiam, the late Chief Martin Elechi and Senator Offia Nwali, Odii said the state’s current condition fell short of their vision of an inclusive and prosperous homeland.

On the politics of succession, he dismissed zoning as the defining issue in the governorship race, insisting that competence should take precedence over sectional interests.

“What binds us together is the state, not the Abakaliki or Afikpo bloc. I am not running to consume or destroy; I am a builder of men,” he said.

Odii urged residents to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 election, expressing confidence that his supporters were better prepared to ensure their votes count.

Chairman of the occasion, Onwe Onwe, said Odii had the capacity, competence and commitment to govern the state. Similarly, leader of the Ebonyi State Community in Abuja, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, expressed confidence that ‘the will of God will prevail’ in 2027.

House of Representatives hopeful, Mr Eni Chima, urged voters to put competence above mediocrity.

“We are not interested in the colour of the cat, but in the cat that will kill the rat. We are confident that our candidate will deliver,” Chima said.