The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has urged Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, the newly appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to promptly rein in politicians and put an end to the premature campaigning for the 2027 general elections.
Expressing its concerns through the church‘s women’s organizations, the body highlighted that early electioneering activities are diverting elected officials’ focus from tackling the country’s urgent governance and security challenges.
This appeal was delivered by Mrs. Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba, who leads the Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild, Priceless Jewels, and Girls Guild, during her keynote speech at the 26th Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference held in Abuja. The event’s theme was “The Unchangeable Promises of God: The Covenant-keeping God.”
Mrs. Ndukuba remarked, “It is astonishing that politicians across all levels have commenced their campaigns for the 2027 elections even before completing two years in office.”
She further urged INEC to enforce discipline among political actors, emphasizing the need for them to prioritize governance and comply with electoral regulations.
Congratulating Prof. Amupitan on his appointment, she prayed for divine guidance to enable him restore integrity and order within the electoral framework.
Addressing the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts, Mrs. Ndukuba shed light on the disproportionate impact on women, stating, “In many farming communities, women are too fearful to tend their farms during planting seasons due to threats of sexual violence and fatal attacks.”
She condemned the destruction of farmlands by roaming cattle as a malicious act and linked these violent clashes directly to the worsening food insecurity in the nation.
Highlighting the plight of displaced persons, she revealed that in certain areas, herders have taken over ancestral lands, forcing indigenous populations into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps despite the absence of active warfare.
On the condition of federal highways, Mrs. Ndukuba was forthright, describing them as “hazardous zones prone to fatal accidents and kidnappings.”
She appealed to the Minister of Works to prioritize road maintenance and ensure equitable infrastructure development across all regions.
While praising the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for notable improvements within Abuja, she called for urgent repairs on specific routes such as the Idu-Zhidu Road and the difficult-to-access road leading to the Anglican International Academy.
Regarding the aviation sector, the church advocated for stricter regulation of airfare costs, pointing out that despite an increase in airline operators, ticket prices remain prohibitively high for low-income Nigerians.
Amid these national concerns, Mrs. Ndukuba encouraged women to remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them that “nothing occurs by chance with God. The challenges you face today may be essential steps toward fulfilling His promises and purpose for your life.”
The conference also included moments of reflection and joy, honoring retiring clergy, offering support to those enduring hardships, and celebrating members who have recently received promotions and blessings.
