The Mandate 27 Group has reaffirmed its support for former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that its endorsement is based on his track record of public service, leadership experience and verifiable achievements rather than political sentiments or propaganda.
In a statement issued by the group, it described itself as a structured political advocacy organisation with a presence across the 27 wards of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, maintaining that its activities are focused on promoting credible representation and educating voters on the antecedents of candidates seeking public office.
According to the group, its operations extend to polling units, supported by research and rapid response desks designed to promote fact-based political engagement.
Mandate 27 Group dismissed suggestions that its support for Chinedum Orji was financially motivated, explaining that its conviction stems from his achievements as a former member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, Majority Leader and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
The group claimed that Orji sponsored 17 bills during his legislative career and facilitated several developmental interventions, including mini-stadiums, electricity transformers, educational assistance, medical support and empowerment programmes through his Direct Touch initiative.
It further highlighted his educational and professional qualifications, including an engineering degree from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
The organisation maintained that political engagement should focus on measurable achievements rather than personal attacks, stressing that its advocacy is intended to promote accountability and constructive criticism.
Citing the controversy surrounding a transformer reportedly donated to Umuda community in 2023, the group alleged that the equipment had remained uninstalled in a private compound, raising concerns about its condition and the whereabouts of its oil.
It explained that its intervention was aimed at encouraging those responsible to ensure the transformer was installed for the benefit of residents rather than engaging in personal attacks.
Speaking on the 2027 National Assembly election, Mandate 27 Group argued that Chinedum Orji possesses the legislative experience and political exposure required to attract meaningful federal interventions to the constituency.
The group identified improved federal road infrastructure, agricultural development, employment opportunities, electricity projects and engagement with the South East Development Commission as areas requiring effective representation.
According to the statement, Orji’s experience at the state legislative level provides a foundation for broader service at the National Assembly.
The group also defended the administration of former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji, popularly known as Ochendo, rejecting criticisms suggesting that his eight-year tenure produced no meaningful developmental achievements.
It cited the modernisation and expansion of Amachara General Hospital, including additional medical facilities, a 100-bed ward, intensive care facilities, a cardiac centre and laboratory infrastructure, as some of the projects associated with his administration.
The group clarified that Amachara General Hospital existed before Theodore Orji became governor but maintained that his administration undertook significant improvements to the facility.
It also acknowledged that Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, was established before his administration, while crediting him with further improvements and modernisation of the institution.
Beyond healthcare, Mandate 27 Group listed the State Secretariat, International Conference Centre, Judiciary Complex, e-Library, relocation of major markets and road infrastructure as achievements it attributed to the former governor.
The organisation equally commended Chinedum Orji’s leadership of the Abia State House of Assembly, describing his tenure as Speaker as peaceful and productive.
It warned against what it described as attempts to distort the records of past public officeholders for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mandate 27 Group maintained that it would continue to challenge allegations it considers false against Chinedum Orji and Senator Theodore Orji while avoiding hate speech and personal attacks.
The group emphasised that voters across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South should be allowed to make their electoral choices freely, based on credible information and the performance records of candidates.
Reaffirming its commitment to Orji’s 2027 ambition, the organisation expressed confidence that his legislative experience, qualifications and previous achievements would strengthen his chances of securing the constituency’s mandate.
“Our brand of advocacy is based on facts, not propaganda and hypocrisy. We do not demand what we cannot show. If we ask for a scorecard, we have a scorecard. If we ask for a certificate, we have a certificate,” the group stated.
It concluded that its support for Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji remains a matter of conviction, expressing optimism that voters would consider his political antecedents when deciding who should represent them in the National Assembly in 2027.
