The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has denied reports that he stepped down for Governor Francis Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 election. Word had gone round that he would make way for the incumbent, a claim that would have reshaped the race in the state. Odii rejected the story outright, saying his ambition to run for the governorship remains fully intact. He made clear that no deal of that kind exists between him and the governor. His camp moved fast to shut down the chatter because unchallenged rumours could dent his standing with supporters. Odii's message is that he is in the contest in his own right and will not withdraw. How the PDP rallies behind him as 2027 approaches will now be watched closely in Ebonyi.