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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi Central Senatorial District election, Professor Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh, has pledged to maximize the opportunities available in the Senate if elected, lamenting that many lawmakers have failed to fully utilize the office for the benefit of their constituents.
Odoh stated this during a town hall meeting held at New Geneza Hotel in Abakaliki, where he formally announced that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognized him as the NDC candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial election scheduled for May 16, 2027.
He described the Senate as an institution with enormous potential for attracting development and influencing policies that directly impact the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, his background as a professor of geosciences would position him to make meaningful contributions to legislative work, particularly in the areas of 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 utilize them. It is an opportunity we must stop wasting. As a geoscientist with specialization in geophysics, solid minerals, water resources, and environmental management, I possess knowledge that can positively influence national policies and attract development for 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 expressed confidence in his ability to effectively represent the district, citing his record as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government between 2015 and 2018.
He said his commitment to accountability was demonstrated by his decision to voluntarily invite 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 his 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,” he said.
The NDC candidate also urged supporters to back the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing him as a credible leader capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
“Our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, is a man whose record speaks for itself. I urge all our supporters, both at home and in the diaspora, to vote for the NDC in the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria has enormous potential, but many young people no longer see a future in the country. 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.
“The task ahead is challenging, but with unity, strategy, intelligence, and determination, we can overcome the obstacles before us and build a better future for our country,” Odoh added.
