Ibeku Professionals Reject Chinedum Orji’s 2027 Ambition, Throw Weight Behind Otti, Aguocha and Meregini

League of Ibeku Professionals Backs Alex Otti, Obi Aguocha and Austin Meregini for Re-election

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the League of Ibeku Professionals (LIBP), a socio-ethnic organisation and think-tank group, has declared that the people of Ibeku clan will carefully reconsider their political choices and reject what it described as another mistake in leadership selection in Abia State.

The organisation specifically expressed opposition to the re-election ambition of the immediate past Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency seat, Hon. Chinedum Orji.

The group made its position known in a communique issued after a meeting held over the weekend in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. The statement was signed by the Chairman of LIBP, Surveyor Samuel Aguiyi, and its Secretary-General, Ambassador Chijindu Emeruwa.

LIBP Questions Orji’s Leadership Record

In the communique, the professional body argued that Chinedum Orji had not demonstrated sufficient leadership credentials to seek another public mandate, citing what it described as the failure of the administration of his father, former Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, to deliver meaningful socioeconomic and infrastructural development to Ibeku communities.

The group characterised the eight-year administration of the former governor as disappointing, challenging the former governor and his political associates to identify tangible, people-oriented projects executed in Ibeku during that period.

According to LIBP, the administration allegedly failed to utilise the opportunities provided by political leadership to promote industrial development, employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth in the Ibeku clan.

Instead, the organisation accused the former administration of encouraging divisions, political disagreements and strained relationships among communities in Ibeku.

Traditional Institution Dispute Features in Group’s Allegations

The League of Ibeku Professionals also raised concerns over what it described as the alleged interference with and weakening of the traditional institution in Ibeku, particularly the revered Ogurube Ibeku traditional stool.

The group accused the administration of undermining the institution and denying Ogurube IV of Ibeku, His Royal Majesty, Eze Samuel Onuoha, the recognition and respect it believed the traditional stool deserved.

It further alleged that several prominent Ibeku indigenes lost government appointments and positions because they allegedly refused to support actions considered detrimental to the traditional institution.

These allegations, according to the group, remain important issues in assessing the political history and leadership record of the former administration.

Group Recalls Challenges Under Former Administration

Beyond issues concerning Ibeku traditional leadership, LIBP maintained that Abia residents would not easily forget the challenges it attributed to the Theodore Orji administration.

The organisation listed infrastructural deficiencies, insecurity, youth restiveness, unemployment, declining standards in public education, alleged financial mismanagement and nepotism among the issues that, in its assessment, characterised the administration.

The group consequently described Chinedum Orji as unsuitable for another opportunity to represent the constituency, while distancing the wider Ibeku community from his political activities and campaign statements.

It insisted that the former lawmaker’s political positions and public comments should not be interpreted as representing the collective views of Ibeku sons and daughters.

LIBP Praises Obi Aguocha’s Legislative Representation

The professional organisation also expressed support for the current representation of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency by Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha at the House of Representatives.

According to LIBP, Aguocha has brought a different approach to legislative representation through the initiation of development-oriented bills, legislative interventions and efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.

The group maintained that the constituency should preserve what it described as responsible and quality representation rather than risk returning to what it considers an unsatisfactory political arrangement.

It further argued that the performance of elected representatives should be assessed based on their contributions to legislative development, constituency interests and the overall welfare of the people.

LIBP Endorses Otti, Aguocha and Meregini for 2027

In another major political declaration, the League of Ibeku Professionals reaffirmed its support for the 2027 re-election ambitions of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti; Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha; and Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, popularly known as Ugolee.

The organisation expressed its preference for the three political leaders to continue in office under the platform of the Labour Party (LP), describing their continued leadership as important to the political and developmental direction of Abia State.

LIBP also called on eligible voters across Ibeku communities to participate actively in the forthcoming elections and support candidates they consider credible, irrespective of political party affiliations.

The organisation urged residents to make informed electoral decisions during the 2027 elections, which will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The declaration adds another dimension to the emerging political conversations surrounding the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency ahead of 2027, as political stakeholders and interest groups continue to express their positions on representation, leadership performance and the future direction of Abia politics.