The Mandate 27 Group has criticised the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, accusing him of engaging in political attacks against former Governor Theodore Ahamefula Orji and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, rather than addressing concerns about his performance in office.
In a special communiqué issued in Umuahia on Friday, October 16, 2026, the group questioned Aguocha’s legislative achievements, alleging that several communities in the constituency continue to struggle with abandoned infrastructure, poor road networks and inadequate government interventions.
The group expressed displeasure over what it described as repeated attacks on Senator Theodore Orji, arguing that the former governor, who left public office in 2023, deserves respect as an elder statesman.
According to the statement, Aguocha should concentrate on defending his record in the National Assembly instead of engaging in political confrontations with individuals who no longer occupy public office.
“Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji is an elder statesman, a former governor, former senator and a grandfather. He deserves respect, irrespective of political differences,” the group stated.
Mandate 27 further challenged Aguocha to focus his political engagements on Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, whom it identified as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency in the 2027 general election.
The group described Chinedum Orji as a formidable political figure whose previous contributions to infrastructure development, youth empowerment and community development should form part of the debate ahead of the elections.
Raising questions about the distribution of federal government relief materials, the group demanded clarification over an alleged allocation of two trailer loads of rice to members of the House of Representatives for distribution to their constituents.
It claimed that a federal lawmaker representing Etsako had publicly acknowledged receiving a similar allocation and challenged Aguocha to explain whether such materials were received and distributed in Ikwuano/Umuahia.
The group also referenced allegations that the rice meant for constituents may have been diverted or sold, calling for transparency and accountability.
However, the allegations concerning the rice allocation and its alleged diversion were not independently substantiated in the statement.
Turning to infrastructure, Mandate 27 listed several projects it claimed had received insufficient attention under the current representation.
Among them were the Olokoro–Ahiaukwu–Amangwo–Umuajata Road, the Iyi Umudere Bridge, Ulonna South Farm Settlement and the road leading to the Federal College of Education, Ofeme.
The group specifically referenced the Olokoro–Ahiaukwu–Amangwo–Umuajata Road project, which it said had remained abandoned since 2010 despite an alleged contract award valued at ₦204,205,050.
It also raised concerns over the condition of Ulonna South Farm Settlement in Ohuhu, alleging that poor access roads have made it difficult for farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets.
According to the group, a resident identified as Mazi Ndudim Iweha had complained about the challenges facing farmers in the settlement.
Mandate 27 further criticised Aguocha’s reported intervention at the Amaeke Ibeku erosion site on September 24, 2026, alleging that a financial assistance package of ₦1.8 million was inadequate to address the ecological challenges confronting the community.
The group also questioned claims surrounding electricity restoration in Ofeke-Azueke Ndume Ibeku, citing alleged statements by community members disputing the lawmaker’s involvement in restoring power.
Defending Chinedum Orji’s previous record, the group dismissed criticisms surrounding transformers reportedly donated during the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
It argued that acknowledging the contribution of the executive arm of government to constituency projects demonstrated transparency rather than an attempt to claim undeserved credit.
The group maintained that cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government was essential for delivering infrastructure and other public utilities to communities.
It also praised Chinedum Orji’s political approach, describing him as a leader who prioritises development and empowerment over personal attacks.
“Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is sui generis, a man in a class of his own, who refuses to be distracted by name-calling and political bitterness,” the statement read.
The group claimed that projects associated with the former Speaker, including mini-stadiums and empowerment programmes, continued to benefit residents across the constituency.
It urged constituents to critically assess the achievements of those seeking to represent them in the 2027 general election rather than base their decisions on political rhetoric.
Mandate 27 also cited criticism allegedly expressed by some constituents, including Emeka Ohabuiro, whom it quoted as expressing disappointment with Aguocha’s representation.
The group insisted that the forthcoming election should provide an opportunity for residents to evaluate the performance of the incumbent lawmaker and consider alternative leadership.
“In 2027, we choose performance over visitation, manners over insults and emancipation over Pharaoh,” the group declared.
It subsequently reaffirmed its support for Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, describing him as its preferred candidate to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in 2027.
The allegations and criticisms contained in the communiqué represent the position of the Mandate 27 Group and have not been independently verified. Hon. Obi Aguocha’s response to the claims was not included in the statement.
