2027 Elections: Anglican Bishop Urges Level Playing Field, Rejects Violence and Electoral Manipulation

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji-Egbema, Chidi Oparaojiaku, has called for a peaceful, transparent and credible 2027 general election, warning that Nigeria's democracy could suffer further setbacks if political violence, abuse of public institutions and electoral malpractice persist.

Speaking at the 2026 Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State, Oparaojiaku urged political leaders, electoral authorities and security agencies to ensure that the next general election is conducted on a level playing field that reflects the will of the people.

The synod deliberated on the theme: "Navigating the Path to Essential Development in Ohaji-Egbema Amid Economic Reforms, Persistent Inflation and an Uncertain Volatile Environment: Essential Panacea."

The bishop acknowledged signs of economic recovery in the country but maintained that Nigeria continues to grapple with serious governance and security challenges.

He stressed that enduring democracy can only thrive where institutions are strong, independent and allowed to function without undue political interference.

Oparaojiaku expressed concern over what he described as increasing interference in public institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies and traditional institutions, warning that such practices erode public confidence in governance.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he urged political parties and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns while rejecting violence, intimidation and hate speech.

The cleric also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a transparent electoral process in which every valid vote counts, while cautioning against what he described as the unnecessary deployment of the military for election duties.

He further advised politicians to seek public office through integrity, competence and a genuine commitment to service rather than exploiting religious sentiments or recruiting young people to perpetrate political violence.

Addressing Nigerian youths, Oparaojiaku encouraged them to invest in education, vocational skills and entrepreneurship, describing them as essential tools for reducing unemployment and driving sustainable national development.

The bishop also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the country, citing persistent kidnappings, cult-related violence and attacks on communities, particularly in oil-producing areas, as major threats to farming, business activities and investment.

He called on governments at all levels, security agencies, community leaders and oil companies to work together to restore peace, protect the environment and create sustainable employment opportunities for young people through community development initiatives.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Regional Development and member representing Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency, Eugene Dibiagwu, said Nigeria's ongoing economic reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable growth despite the short-term hardship experienced by many citizens.

He argued that policy measures such as the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate liberalisation and increased allocations to states are improving public finances and creating opportunities for infrastructure development and economic expansion.

The lawmaker cited improvements in salary and pension payments in Imo State, ongoing infrastructure projects, investments in electricity supply and the expansion of the Walter Smith Refinery and the ANOH Gas Processing Plant as indicators of increasing economic activity in the state.

He, however, stressed that sustainable development in Ohaji-Egbema would ultimately depend on peace, responsible leadership, environmental protection and sustained collaboration among government, the Church, traditional institutions and local communities.