Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the [Peoples Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_Democratic_Party_(Nigeria)) governorship candidate for [Ebonyi State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebonyi_State), denied on Saturday night that he had agreed to step down from the race, insisting he remains committed to winning the election and eradicating hunger and poverty in the state.
He delivered the statement at a press briefing in his hometown of Isu, situated in the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on Saturday evening. Odii emphasized that the PDP granted him its ticket through a consensus mechanism and that his campaign is motivated by a desire to provide effective governance to citizens he said are yearning for progress.
**What did the Minister of Works say?**
Earlier, Minister of Works David Umahi had suggested that Odii might be approached to withdraw in favour of incumbent Governor [Francis Nwifuru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Nwifuru). Odii dismissed the comment as mere political manoeuvring, asserting that no formal request had been made to him.
"My party gave me its mandate through consensus, which means they found me suitable, but there was a need for intervention. As such, I am contesting to be the governor of Ebonyi State because I have a lot to offer in government," Odii told journalists. "On the issue of whether I would accept a request to step down, I am sure that is just political manoeuvring. I don’t think we have to undermine democracy."
He added that he respects the minister but will not entertain any demand to quit the race, noting that his supporters already back his vision. Odii stressed that his platform centres on ending hunger, promoting good governance, and ensuring sustainable development for both present and future generations of Ebonyi residents.
"When you are hungry, nobody needs to tell you that you are hungry. We are trying to bring a government that will say goodbye to hunger in Ebonyi State," the candidate concluded.