The Mandate 27 Group has defended former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, against renewed allegations concerning an ongoing legal matter, insisting that the presumption of innocence must be respected until a competent court delivers its judgment.
In a statement issued in response to a publication titled “Ndi Abia Will Not Forget,” the group criticised what it described as attempts to use allegations reported in 2020 to undermine Orji’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group argued that the allegations, including reports of about 100 bank accounts allegedly linked to Orji, remain matters for judicial determination and should not be presented as established facts.
According to the statement, a February 2020 Vanguard report specifically described the accounts as allegedly linked to Orji, stressing that allegations should not be mistaken for convictions.
Mandate 27 Group further referenced the reported February 2025 arraignment involving Chinedum Orji, his father, former Abia State Governor Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji, and others, noting that the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The group maintained that Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees the presumption of innocence until guilt is established by a competent court.
It also invoked the legal principle of sub judice, arguing that public commentary on pending judicial proceedings should not prejudice the defendants’ right to a fair hearing.
“EFCC alleges, court determines. That is law,” the group stated, insisting that social media should not become an alternative courtroom for determining criminal liability.
Mandate 27 Group questioned why individuals who acknowledge that the allegations must be determined through due process would simultaneously present the same allegations in a manner suggesting that guilt had already been established.
The group maintained that Orji should be allowed to defend himself through the appropriate judicial process rather than being pressured into responding to allegations on social media.
Turning to the 2027 general elections, the group argued that political discussions in Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency should focus on the performance of the incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon. Obi Aguocha.
It accused Aguocha of failing to provide effective representation since assuming office in 2023, describing his legislative performance as disappointing.
The group challenged the lawmaker to provide clarification on claims that members of the House of Representatives received two trailer loads of rice for distribution to their constituents.
According to the statement, residents deserve to know whether any such allocation was received by Aguocha and, if so, how it was distributed across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South local government areas.
The group also raised concerns over the reported collapse of the Iyi Umudere Bridge in Olokoro, Umuahia South, and the condition of the Ulonna South Farm Settlement in Ohuhu, Umuahia North.
It questioned what interventions the federal lawmaker had undertaken concerning the Olokoro-Ahiaukwu-Amangwo-Umuajata Road, which it claimed was awarded in 2010 for over ₦204 million but remains abandoned.
Other issues highlighted included erosion challenges in Amaeke Ibeku, the condition of the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, access roads and concerns surrounding electricity infrastructure in parts of the constituency.
Mandate 27 Group argued that these issues require greater attention from the incumbent lawmaker, particularly as constituents prepare to assess the performance of their representatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group also defended former Governor Theodore Orji against what it described as persistent personal attacks, maintaining that political accountability should not be reduced to insults against individuals who are no longer holding public office.
It praised Chinedum Orji’s record of public service, citing electricity infrastructure and mini-stadium projects it attributed to his previous legislative activities.
According to the group, such projects demonstrate his commitment to constituency development and provide a basis for evaluating his political credentials.
Mandate 27 Group maintained that the 2027 election should offer residents of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency an opportunity to compare the records and proposals of those seeking to represent them.
“Allow the court to do what courts do. Allow the electorate to do what the electorate does in 2027,” the statement read.
The group concluded by urging political actors to respect judicial processes while encouraging constituents to demand accountability, effective representation and tangible development from their elected officials.
The allegations against Orji, the claims concerning constituency allocations and the criticisms of Aguocha’s performance are presented as the group’s assertions.
