…Former Speaker Extends Olive Branch, Urges Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, popularly known as IKUKU, has issued a heartfelt appeal for unity and forgiveness, urging his constituents to forget past grievances and embrace peace for the collective good of Ndi Ikwuano/Umuahia.
CDA News Nigeria reports that Orji, who recently emerged as the APC flagbearer for the House of Representatives seat following a successful primary election across all 32 wards of the constituency , extended a profound apology to those he may have offended. “If I have offended you knowingly or unknowingly and if anyone around me have done same to you, I apologise to such persons who felt neglected,” he stated. “Let’s forget the past, forge ahead, embrace peace for the betterment of Ndi Ikwuano/Umuahia” .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, who served from 2019 to 2023, believes unity is not a slogan but daily work that involves sitting at the table with those who disagree and still calling them brother. He emphasized that Ndi Ikwuano and Ndi Umuahia share the same soil, markets, and ancestral prayers, making division an expensive burden that costs the community’s progress . The APC candidate’s message of reconciliation comes amid heightened political activity in the constituency, with the 2027 general elections approaching .
Political observers note that Orji’s appeal is significant given the heated political atmosphere in the constituency, where he is considered a major contender against the incumbent representative, Hon. Obi Aguocha of the Labour Party . Several groups, including the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) and the Ikuku 2027 Mandate Group, have endorsed Orji, citing his legislative experience as Speaker and Majority Leader, where he presided over orderly proceedings, passed important bills, and empowered committees to track projects .
However, Orji’s candidacy has not been without controversy. Supporters of Hon. Obi Aguocha have called on the Orji family to apologize to Ndi Abia for allegedly supervising the underdevelopment of the state . In response, Concerned Stakeholders of Ikwuano-Umuahia have defended Orji, pointing to “8 years of real projects, real empowerment, and real access” under his family’s influence, while noting that cases in court are not convictions . The APC candidate’s campaign, built around the message “Ikwuano/Umuahia First. Experience That Works,” promises to focus on security, economic relief, youth employment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure .
Source verification: Original reporting based on statements from Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji and the MANDATE 27 GROUP, as well as public records of APC primary elections and endorsements.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting on political matters.
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