Iwa Ji Festival: Ikuku’s Cultural Connection With Ibeku People Signals Strong Constituency Bond – Group

The 2027 Mandate Group has described the participation of the APC candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, popularly known as Ikuku, in the Iwa Ji Festival in Ibeku Land as a demonstration of his strong connection with the people and their cultural heritage.

The group, in a statement titled “IKUKU: Where Culture Meets Constituency,” said the festival provided another opportunity for Orji to interact closely with his constituents, stressing that his participation went beyond partisan politics to reflect his identity as a son of the community.

According to the group, Orji participated actively in the celebration, dancing with the people, greeting traditional rulers and elders, and taking part in cultural activities without creating barriers between himself and the community.

It said the sight of Orji in APC regalia amid the traditional celebration demonstrated that his political identity had not separated him from the cultural and communal bonds that define the people.

The group noted that the new yam festival occupies an important place in Igbo culture, describing it as a celebration of the relationship between the people, their land and their heritage.

It said the enthusiastic reception given to Orji during the festival, including chants of “Onye Nke Anyi” (Our Own), reflected what it described as the people’s sense of identification and affinity with him.

“Brands are not manufactured in press releases. They are earned in public squares, at funerals, at markets, and at festivals where there are no cameras and no script,” the group stated.

The group said Orji’s reputation as “the younger Orji” was not merely about his family lineage, but also about what it described as his continued presence and engagement with the people.

It argued that effective representation at the National Assembly must begin with a strong understanding of the people at home, adding that cultural participation provides an important avenue for leaders to remain connected to their communities.

“Representation at Abuja must start with representation at home,” the group said, asking constituents to pay attention not only to political rallies but also to how aspirants participate in traditional and community activities.

The group further described Orji as a potential bridge between cultural legitimacy and political representation, arguing that his participation in the Iwa Ji celebration showed that political identity and cultural heritage could coexist.

It said the presence of the APC candidate at the festival demonstrated what it called “a son who understands the rhythm of his town,” adding that his engagement with the people should be viewed as part of the broader responsibilities expected of a representative.

The group maintained that trust between elected representatives and their constituents was as important as physical development projects, noting that roads, hospitals and jobs must be complemented by strong relationships between leaders and the people they represent.

It therefore urged voters in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency to assess political candidates beyond campaign rallies and promises, and to consider their level of participation in the everyday life of the communities.