The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial flagbearer in Ebonyi State, Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has said that this year’s general elections will be free and fair and the votes of Nigerians must count. He also said that his party, PDP, will take over governance of the state.

Odii was speaking with journalists on Monday shortly after hosting teeming supporters, as well, the inauguration of over 10,000 election canvassers, at the residence of his running mate, Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu at Oriuzor community in Ezza North Local government of the state.

The gubernatorial candidate, who was coronated by the traditional rulers of Oriuzor community, as the “Oke Osisi 1 of Ebonyi State” refuted claims that he was being sponsored by the Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi.

He said: “I’m from Ebonyi South senatorial zone and I'm not denying it but I'm not contesting for governorship to be governor of Ebonyi South senatorial zone.

“I’m contesting to be a governor of Ebonyi State because I’m a true son of Ebonyi State. If you check very well, when I was doing my humanitarian work, there is no local government area you go, and you will not see my footprint there.

“I wasn’t doing that because I’m from Ebonyi South, and I never knew that I will be contesting for governorship, and by the Grace of God, I will be governor of Ebonyi State.

“What Ebonyi people need is a leader that will lead them out of poverty and suffering. I have the capacity to do that, but even if it is not me, I will support any other person. We shouldn't be talking about zoning or no zoning.

“Umahi is campaigning against me, before now, people are saying that he was the one fronting me to be governor. I came out on my own to contest for governor because God asked me to run. I'm running for governorship because of the love I have for Ebonyi people.

“I believe that when I will emerge as the governor, you will see the difference. We will not focus to be a regional governor but governor to everybody and all parts of Ebonyi State.”

Speaking on the ban of campaigns in public schools, markets, and streets by Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, he said: “PDP is gaining momentum in every part of Ebonyi state.

“Nigeria has grown beyond that level, with social media, we can reach over 10 million people in a day. By the time we will start our campaigns, you will see the way, we will reach out to people of the state.

“We are coming with lots of innovations. When we will start our campaigns, you will see a great difference. If Umahi likes, let him even say that we should not come out, but on the day of the election, the people’s votes must count and that’s what matters.”