Orji Assures Ikwuano/Umuahia of Quality, Accountable Representation If Elected in 2027

The APC candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, popularly known as Ikuku-Oma Abia, has assured the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South of quality, accountable and purposeful representation if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Orji gave the assurance during an interactive session with stakeholders and community leaders from Ikwuano/Umuahia at his country home in Umuahia. The former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly declared that the era of accidental representation was over, stressing that the federal constituency deserved a representative whose impact would be visible and felt by the people.

According to him, “Ikwuano/Umuahia has suffered for too long from representation that is absent in Abuja and absent at home. I am coming to stand in the gap. If you elect me, Ikwuano/Umuahia will witness quality and accountable representation. Representation that you can see. Representation that you can touch. Representation that will bring home results.”

Outlining his development agenda, Orji said his blueprint for the constituency rests on four major pillars: quality lawmaking, accountable leadership, tangible development and human capital development.

On quality lawmaking, he promised to sponsor and support people-oriented bills that would directly improve the lives of farmers, traders, students, artisans and civil servants across the constituency.

He cited his legislative experience as Speaker, during which the Abia State House of Assembly passed more than 17 landmark laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Abians in Diaspora Commission Law. He expressed confidence that his experience would enable him to deliver effective representation in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

On accountable leadership, the former Speaker promised to institutionalise regular town hall meetings across the wards in Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South.

He said he would return to the constituency every quarter to give account of his stewardship, including his attendance, voting records, constituency projects attracted and the utilisation of funds.

“My representation will be open. No secrecy. My people will know what I am doing for them. That is accountability,” he said.

Speaking on tangible development, Orji recalled that during his tenure as Speaker, he facilitated the grading of more than 14 rural roads, constructed nine mini-stadia, provided electricity transformers and water projects, and empowered thousands of youths and women, despite not being a federal legislator at the time.

He assured the people that his election to the House of Representatives would provide greater opportunities to attract infrastructure and development projects to the constituency, including roads, school renovations, healthcare support and agricultural empowerment programmes.

On human capital development, Ikuku-Oma Abia said his Direct Touch Initiative, which earned him the title Father of Empowerment, would be expanded to reach more beneficiaries.

He promised extensive youth training in information and communication technology (ICT), skills acquisition programmes, start-up grants for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), scholarships for indigent students and special intervention programmes for widows, farmers and persons with disabilities.

Emphasising his legislative and leadership experience, Orji said he would not need to learn the responsibilities of the office if elected, having already demonstrated his capacity in the Abia State House of Assembly.

“My people, I am not coming to Abuja to learn on the job. I have been tested. I stabilised the Abia State House of Assembly for four years without crisis. I transformed the Assembly complex into a world-class facility. I led an Assembly described as the Assembly of Many Firsts. I know how to lobby. I know how to negotiate. I have friends across party lines. I will use that network for the benefit of Ikwuano/Umuahia,” he added.

He urged the people not to be distracted by propaganda or attacks on political elders, but to focus on the capacity, competence and compassion of whoever seeks their mandate.

He further stressed that the 2027 contest should not be about Chief T.A. Orji but about identifying the most capable person to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia at the National Assembly.

“I am not contesting against anybody’s father. I am contesting to give Ikwuano/Umuahia a voice that has been missing. Give me your mandate, and I will give you quality and accountable representation that you will be proud of,” he declared.

Stakeholders who spoke during the meeting described Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji as a leader with a proven track record, pledging their support to ensure his emergence as the next representative of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in 2027.