A political pressure group, Mandate 27 Group, has launched a campaign tagged “Operation Sweep Out Obi Aguocha,” calling for a change in representation in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the group accused the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, of poor performance, alleging that his tenure had not produced sufficient legislative achievements, federal projects and empowerment programmes for his constituents.
The group described its campaign as a democratic initiative to mobilise voters through their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), insisting that its objective was to seek accountability and improved representation rather than promote violence or personal attacks.
Group Demands Legislative Scorecard
Mandate 27 Group challenged Aguocha to present a comprehensive scorecard of his stewardship, including bills sponsored, motions moved, constituency projects facilitated and federal interventions secured since assuming office.
According to the group, the lawmaker has failed to adequately demonstrate the impact of his representation on the development of Ikwuano and Umuahia.
It also criticised what it described as the absence of regular town hall meetings and public accountability engagements between the lawmaker and his constituents.
The group further dismissed references to the political achievements of former Abia State Governor and senator, Theodore Ahamefule Orji, arguing that such achievements did not constitute a record of Aguocha’s personal performance.
Disputes Transformer Allegations
The group also disputed allegations concerning the withdrawal of transformers reportedly provided to communities by former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji.
Mandate 27 Group claimed that its members visited the affected communities and found the transformers still in place and operational.
It described the controversy as an attempt to divert attention from questions about the lawmaker’s performance.
The group equally criticised what it called the use of allegations involving ₦100 billion, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in political exchanges, describing them as distractions from constituency development.
The allegations and counterclaims could not be independently verified.
Raises Concerns Over Infrastructure and Youth Empowerment
The group identified road construction, erosion control, school rehabilitation, employment opportunities and youth empowerment as areas where it said the constituency required greater federal intervention.
It also expressed concern over what it described as the underutilisation of the agricultural research and educational institutions located in Umudike, particularly Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI).
According to the group, the institutions present opportunities for agricultural development, research, employment and economic growth that could benefit the constituency and the wider South-East.
Mandate 27 Group further alleged that young people in the constituency had not benefited sufficiently from federal employment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes.
It accused the lawmaker’s supporters of engaging youths in political attacks rather than providing opportunities for economic advancement.
Compares Aguocha’s Representation With Ikuku’s Tenure
The group called for the return of Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, popularly known as Ikuku, to the House of Representatives, citing his previous experience as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
It credited Orji with maintaining legislative stability during his tenure and facilitating roads, health centres, schools, scholarships and employment opportunities across Ikwuano and Umuahia.
The group argued that his experience in legislative leadership and constituency development made him a preferred alternative to Aguocha.
It also criticised what it described as the use of social media to attack political opponents, insisting that the Green Chamber should focus on lawmaking, oversight and attracting federal development projects.
The claims concerning the respective records of the two political figures were presented by the group and were not independently verified.
Calls for Accountability Ahead of 2027
Mandate 27 Group urged Aguocha to respond to its concerns by providing details of his legislative activities, constituency projects and other interventions since his election.
It maintained that the lawmaker should account for his stewardship before seeking another mandate.
The group said its campaign, which it described as “Operation Sweep,” would extend across communities in Ikwuano and Umuahia, including Oboro, Ibeku, Ohuhu, Oloko and Ariam.
It stressed that the campaign would be pursued through democratic participation and the ballot box.
2027 Elections in Focus
The group declared its intention to mobilise residents ahead of the 2027 general elections, framing the political contest as a debate over performance, accountability and development.
It maintained that its demand for a change in representation was driven by what it described as the need for improved service delivery in the constituency.
“Show us your bills, motions, projects and scorecard,” the group challenged Aguocha, urging him to address its concerns.
Mandate 27 Group concluded that its campaign was not personal but centred on what it described as the need for better representation, infrastructure, employment and economic opportunities for the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
