2027: Methodist Archbishop, Igwe tasks INEC, leaders to conduct free, credible election 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The Methodist Archbishop of Ebonyi and bishop of Abakaliki diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Chikwendu Ogan Igwe has, ahead of the forthcoming general election in the country, tasked Nigerian leaders and the independent national electoral commission, INEC, to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

“The 2027 general elections must be free, fair, and credible, devoid of rigging and manipulation” and encouraged Nigerians to obtain their voter’s cards, participate actively in the electoral process, and vote for credible leaders who will bring about positive transformation and reduce economic hardship.

The Bishop, Igwe made this known shortly after the 32nd Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, Archdiocese of Ebonyi, and held at the Wesley Urban Methodist Church, Onwe Road, Abakaliki.

The synod, according to him, was marked by deep spiritual fellowship and thoughtful deliberations on matters affecting the Church and Society with a renewed commitment to the mission of preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Bishop, Igwe in an eleven points communique, signed by him and the lay President, Prof. Sunday Onwe, with the  theme: “I Will Fight for You” and taking from Exodus 14:14, tasked Nigerians to uphold righteousness and should trust in the Lord for help.

He, however, applauded the efforts of the Ebonyi State governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to drive his People’s Charter of Needs in the state and other dividends of democracy in the state. 

The Synod also commends the nation’s leadership at the National level over some of its positive programmes under the Tinubu mantra of Renewed Hope Agenda. 

The Bishop, Igwe expressed deep concern over the worsening security challenges in the nation, especially the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, churches, and rural communities and called on the Federal and State Governments to take decisive actions to curb terrorism, herdsmen attacks, communal clashes, and the killing of traditional rulers in Ebonyi communities.

The Synod also emphasized the urgent need for infrastructural development and economic growth within the Church, while encouraging members to take responsibility for the protection and development of church properties, as well as the revitalization of the Methodist Care Ministry.

In addressing the economic situation in the country, the Synod decried the rising inflation, hike in fuel prices, and the increasing level of hunger among Nigerians and urged government at all levels to implement policies that will alleviate suffering and improve the welfare of the people. 

The Synod further called for an emergency intervention on “the deplorable state of roads, especially in rural areas” and urged national and state leaders to “demonstrate genuine commitment, compassion, and accountability in governance”, stressing that the rule of law must be upheld at all times in both the nation and the Church.

On youth development, the Synod called on governments at all levels to tackle the rising unemployment rate by creating job opportunities and providing skill acquisition programs to engage young people productively and reduce crime.

The Synod encouraged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to remain steadfast in faith, trust in God, and live righteous lives, with the hope that God will intervene in the nation’s challenges.

The Synod charged Ministers of the Gospel to remain committed to the preaching of the Good News and to desist from any form of misconduct or criminality that could tarnish the image of the Church. 

The Bishop, Igwe called for prayers for the peace, unity, and growth of the nation, while urging citizens to dispel fear and remain hopeful, affirming that God will fight for Nigeria and grant victory over prevailing challenges.