The former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Prof. Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh, has called on Nigerians to elect men and women of integrity as president and federal lawmakers in the January 16, 2027 general elections.
Odoh said failure by the electorate to vote for credible candidates in the 2027 elections could cost Nigerians a lifetime opportunity to usher in a new order.
The Professor of Applied Geophysics stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 New Yam Festival of the Ezza Ezekuna Community Development Forum Anambra (EECDFA), held in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The former UNIZIK VC was chairman of the occasion, which attracted people from Ebonyi and Anambra states.
Describing the 2027 general elections as a defining period in Nigeria’s history, Odoh urged Nigerians not to miss what he described as an opportunity to bring about change.
He said, “Peter Obi is a household name. All of us know what he represents. He is a man you can always feel his heart. We all know what he did as governor of Anambra State. Nigerians want him. Our country needs him at this defining moment. If we miss him in 2027, I’m sorry, there might not be Nigeria anymore.
“I encourage our people to come out to support him and all lawmakers that will work with him so that we can have a new Nigeria where everyone will have a sense of belonging.
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“Presently, not many citizens are proud to be called Nigerians. A liter of fuel costs N1,450 today. I don’t know the number of Nigerian families that can withstand the situation we currently find ourselves.”
“Again, looking at the current situation of our country, everybody needs positive change. 2027 is crucial for the survival of Nigeria. The election is a defining moment for the country and for all of us. I’ve asked all Ezza people living in Anambra that latest, by 30th December, 2026, let everyone come back home to Ebonyi State, where they will exercise their franchise by electing credible candidates on January 16, 2027, so that we could achieve change and good governance for Nigeria and move the country forward,” he said.
He further described Peter Obi as a man of honour and integrity, adding that the NDC presidential candidate represents prudence, incorruptible character and good governance.
On his senatorial aspiration, Odoh expressed confidence that the people of Ebonyi Central would support him, saying he had served them in different capacities and was known to them as a man of honour.
According to him, “My people know me. I have served them in the past. They know I will do well when I get there. Our people are behind us. They know what I’ve done for them in the past, and they know I have good intentions for them. So, they’re behind us. We’re going to win.”
He also urged members of the Ezza Ezekuna Community Development Forum in Anambra to remain united and focused and to be good ambassadors of their people wherever they lived.
Also speaking, Ambassador Moses Igwe, President General of Ebonyi Town Union Association in Anambra and initiator of the Ezza Ezekuna Community Development Forum, said the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate and honour some sons of Ezza Ezekuna and other Ebonyi indigenes who had made contributions in Anambra.
Among those honoured was Chief Monday Nwokoye, Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), who received a chieftaincy title during the event.
Igwe also urged Ezza Ezekuna indigenes in Anambra to be good ambassadors and avoid involvement in crime or criminality.
Earlier, Mr Patrick Nweke, Chairman of the 2026 New Yam Festival Committee, expressed satisfaction with the success of the ceremony, saying it would help to unite Ezza people resident in Anambra.
The Chairman of EECDFA, Mr Chinedu Itumo, in his welcome address, said the New Yam Festival was not only a celebration of harvest but also an opportunity to celebrate the people of Ezza Ezekuna, their origins and the strength they possess when united.
He described the festival as an expression of the people’s culture, heritage, thanksgiving, unity and common identity, as they appreciate God for His blessings, celebrate the fruits of their labour, honour their tradition and renew their bonds as brothers and sisters.