The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to call politicians to order and stop premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The church, through its women’s wing, expressed concern that early political campaigns were distracting elected officials from addressing Nigeria’s worsening security and governance challenges.
The call was made by Mrs. Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba, President of the Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild, Priceless Jewels, and Girls Guild, during her address at the 26th Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference held on Saturday in Abuja.
The event, themed “The Unchangeable Promises of God: The Covenant-keeping God,” brought together delegates from across dioceses under the Anglican Communion.
“It is surprising that our politicians at all levels are already engaging in 2027 electoral campaigns even before their second anniversary in office,” Mrs. Ndukuba said.
She urged INEC to enforce existing electoral guidelines and remind politicians that governance must take precedence over personal ambition.
While congratulating Prof. Amupitan on his appointment, Mrs. Ndukuba expressed hope that God would use him to restore order and credibility to Nigeria’s electoral system.
The Anglican leader also addressed several national issues affecting citizens, including insecurity, food scarcity, and the deteriorating state of federal roads.
She lamented that the farmer-herder conflict had made it unsafe for women to go to farms during the planting season.
“Many women are afraid to go to farm for fear of being gang raped or even losing their lives,” she said.
Mrs. Ndukuba condemned the destruction of farmlands by cattle, describing it as “a wicked act” that worsens Nigeria’s food crisis.
She revealed that in some areas, herders had occupied ancestral lands, forcing natives into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps despite the absence of war.
On infrastructure, she criticised the poor state of federal roads across the country, describing them as “death and kidnappers’ traps.”
She appealed to the Minister of Works to ensure that rehabilitation projects are equitably distributed nationwide.
Mrs. Ndukuba, wife of the Anglican Primate, commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for visible improvements in Abuja.
However, she appealed for urgent attention to the Idu-Zhidu Road and the route leading to the Anglican International Academy, which she said had become impassable.
On aviation, the church called for regulatory oversight on airfares, noting that ticket prices remain high despite the increase in the number of airlines.
“Air travel is becoming a luxury beyond the reach of average citizens,” she said.
Despite the country’s many challenges, the Anglican women urged Nigerians to remain hopeful.
Mrs. Ndukuba encouraged members to trust in God’s promises, saying that every trial could be part of His divine plan.
The conference ended with prayers for peace, the retirement of several clergymen, and celebrations for members who received promotions and other blessings.