The Mandate 27 Group has defended the political achievements of former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, challenging the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, to present his achievements to constituents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement responding to an opinion article by Comrade Nwamara Emmanuel, which questioned the funding and execution of projects attributed to Orji, the group maintained that the former Speaker’s record of public service remained visible across several communities in Abia State.
According to the group, the mini-stadiums, electricity transformers, road projects and empowerment initiatives associated with Orji provide evidence of his commitment to grassroots development.
The group argued that while questions about the sources of funding and procurement processes for public projects were legitimate, such scrutiny should also extend to the performance of current political officeholders.
“If projects are genuine, let records speak. We agree. But let the records of everyone seeking public office speak, beginning with those currently holding the people’s mandate,” the group stated.
Mandate 27 Group identified mini-stadiums in Isieke, Ibeku and Ikwuano, alongside electricity transformers reportedly installed in communities including Umuana, Ndume and Ajata, as examples of projects facilitated by Orji.
It claimed that some of the projects were executed through government interventions, while others benefited from personal financial contributions by the former Speaker.
Addressing questions surrounding the funding of the projects, the group explained that lawmakers could facilitate development through constituency interventions, engagement with government ministries, departments and agencies, and personal contributions.
It maintained that Orji, during his tenure as Majority Leader and subsequently Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, leveraged his position to attract projects and support communities beyond his immediate constituency.
The group further claimed that government-funded projects executed during Orji’s leadership followed established administrative and procurement procedures, insisting that relevant records could be obtained from appropriate government institutions.
However, the statement did not provide specific contract documents, procurement records or funding breakdowns to independently substantiate those claims.
On the criticism that some projects were located outside Orji’s constituency, the group argued that his position as Speaker placed him in a leadership role that extended beyond Umuahia Central.
It described the extension of development initiatives to other parts of Abia as a demonstration of inclusive leadership rather than a basis for criticism.
Turning its attention to Aguocha, the group questioned the lawmaker’s achievements since assuming office in 2023, particularly concerning infrastructure and electricity challenges in communities within the federal constituency.
It specifically raised concerns about the condition of the road leading to the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
According to the group, the road’s condition raises questions about the effectiveness of the constituency’s representation at the National Assembly.
Mandate 27 Group also challenged Aguocha to identify electricity, road and other infrastructure projects he had facilitated since his election, arguing that political representation should be assessed through measurable development outcomes.
The group acknowledged Aguocha’s advocacy for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but maintained that effective representation should combine national advocacy with constituency development.
It argued that efforts to secure Kanu’s release should involve sustained political engagement and strategic negotiations alongside public advocacy.
Defending the political history of the Orji family, the group also highlighted the achievements it attributed to former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, including the development of government infrastructure, roads and healthcare facilities.
It maintained that Chinedum Orji’s emergence as Majority Leader and later Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly reflected the confidence of his legislative colleagues.
The group rejected suggestions that the family’s longstanding political influence should automatically count against Chinedum Orji’s future electoral ambitions, insisting that voters should assess candidates based on their individual records and contributions.
According to the statement, the 2027 election in Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency should focus on competence, experience, accountability and the ability to attract meaningful development.
Mandate 27 Group consequently invited independent observers, journalists and members of the public to visit the locations of projects attributed to Orji and assess their existence and condition.
It equally called for an independent assessment of projects facilitated by Aguocha since he assumed office.
The group maintained that the electorate deserved a transparent comparison of the achievements of those seeking to represent them.
“As 2027 approaches, the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South deserve answers, not insults. They deserve to know what their representatives have achieved and what those seeking their mandate can offer,” the statement added.
The group concluded that the forthcoming election should be determined by verifiable achievements and development plans rather than political exchanges and personal attacks.
The allegations concerning Aguocha’s performance and the claims about Orji’s projects represent the position of Mandate 27 Group and have not been independently verified. Aguocha’s response to the criticisms was not included in the statement.
