The entry into the arena of 2012 Iriji Mbaise by Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, with his entourage climaxed the event that looked dull abinitio due to a seeming difference between Ezumezu Mbaise and Ndi Eze Mbaise said to be loyal to Gov. Rochas Okorocha.
In what turned but to be a show of supremacy at the 2012 Iri ji festival Mbaise, the Peoples Democratic Party elements took the show from their All Progressive Grand Alliance counterparts. The event which was hosted by Ndi Eze that are sympathetic to the administration of Gov. Rochas Okorocha due to their envisaged benefits from his 4th tier government had as their promoters the immediate past Transitional Committee Chairmen of the three LGAs in Mbaise. It was expected that they would mobilize all the PDP LGA Chairmen in Mbaise, all the councillors of the LGA in Mbaise, Chief Richmond Osuji, SA to Deputy Speaker Constituency Matters, Chief Magnus, Chilaka Treasurer Imo state PDP Vice Chairmen, Ahaizu/Aboh Mbaise LGA, Chief Ugochukwu Okoro (Agbara) and other leaders too numerous to mention. APGA had Nze P.C Onuoha, Prof Fabian Osuji, Hon Mrs Ihuoma Majority leader IMHA.
Some of the former TC Chairman under Gov. Okorocha and scanty supporters, Senator Chris Anyanwu was unavoidably absent due to some official engagements. The leadership of Ezuruezu Mbaise and some key Ndi Ezes were conspicuously absent.
The indication of the scenario at the Iri ji festival is that Mbaise remains a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party. Another explanation for the situation that played out is that the popularity of the present administration is nose diving with speed.
