The Mandate 27 Group has criticised supporters of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, accusing them of resorting to insults, intimidation and unsubstantiated allegations against former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a rejoinder titled “Obi Aguocha Cannot Buy Votes with Insults and Empty Threats,” the group described recent political attacks against Orji as attempts to divert public attention from what it considers the incumbent lawmaker’s poor performance.
The group challenged Aguocha’s supporters to provide credible evidence of any alleged wrongdoing involving Orji and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), rather than making accusations without presenting verifiable facts.
According to the group, allegations of financial misconduct should be supported by specific evidence and subjected to appropriate legal processes instead of being deployed as political weapons against perceived opponents.
“No Nigerian becomes guilty simply because an opponent repeats an allegation on social media. If there is any lawful finding against Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, let it be made public and tested before the proper authorities,” the statement read.
Mandate 27 Group further questioned what it described as an apparent admission by some of Aguocha’s supporters that the incumbent might not have performed satisfactorily, arguing that voters should not be persuaded to overlook questions of competence because of allegations against another politician.
The group also dismissed criticisms of Orji’s public speaking abilities, insisting that effective legislative representation should be measured by service delivery, constituency development, lawmaking and accountability rather than public speaking skills or social media popularity.
It maintained that Orji’s political experience, having served as Majority Leader and later Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, demonstrated his legislative capacity and leadership credentials.
Addressing claims by some supporters that Aguocha would remain in office until 2031, the group described such declarations as premature and disrespectful to the democratic rights of the electorate.
According to the statement, no elected official has an automatic right to retain public office, as every mandate must be renewed through the ballot based on performance and the confidence of voters.
“Representation is a mandate held in trust and renewed only through performance and the consent of the electorate. If Aguocha believes his mandate is secure, he should welcome scrutiny, debate and competition,” the group stated.
Mandate 27 Group urged residents of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South to critically assess the records of those seeking to represent them in 2027, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, accessibility and legislative achievements.
The group maintained that Orji was prepared for a political contest based on experience, capacity and verifiable achievements, while challenging Aguocha and his supporters to respond to questions about his representation with evidence rather than personal attacks.
It further warned against attempts to create the impression that the outcome of the 2027 National Assembly election had already been determined.
“Democracy does not belong to one man, one family, or one political camp. It belongs to the people. And when the time comes, the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia will decide,” the statement concluded.
The latest exchange highlights the growing political rivalry surrounding the Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency seat as political groups intensify their arguments over representation and performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
