Ministers of the gospel from across Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, yesterday, gathered at the country home of the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Dr. Chima Anyaso, to pray for the success of his political ambition and seek God’s guidance for the future of the constituency.
The prayer gathering, which attracted clerics, traditional rulers and community stakeholders, focused on peace, unity and the political future of Bende, with the attendees expressing confidence in Anyaso’s ability to provide quality representation if elected.
Leading the prayers, the Sectional Leader of the Assemblies of God Church, Bende Section, Rev. HenryKay Okoronkwo, stressed the need for peace to prevail across Bende and prayed for God’s favour upon Anyaso’s aspiration.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the group and Minister in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Lagos Parish, Rev. Ibeh Obasi Uduma, urged supporters of the Labour Party candidate to remain steadfast and committed to the project, warning against divided loyalties.
The third Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, called on the people of Bende to rally behind Anyaso, describing him as a philanthropist whose track record of community development and humanitarian service had earned him widespread acceptance. He maintained that Anyaso had consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people and would do even more if elected to the House of Representatives.
The traditional ruler also commended Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides in Abia State and expressed confidence that Anyaso would complement the Governor’s efforts by attracting democratic dividends to Bende.
Different speakers at the event, emphasized on the rotational arrangement for the Bende Federal Constituency seat.
According to them, the constituency had adopted a zoning formula between its two political blocs and insisted that, after eight years of representation by one bloc, it was only fair for the seat to return to the Umunna bloc, where Anyaso hails from.
Addressing the gathering, Anyaso expressed appreciation to the ministers and other stakeholders for organising the prayer session and for their continued support.
He assured the people that he would not disappoint them if elected, pointing to his record of philanthropy, educational support and contributions to church development over the years. He noted that his foundation had been providing free educational support to children since 2008 and that his interventions in churches and communities remained visible across the constituency.
The Labour Party candidate pledged to uphold integrity in public office, promising not to divert public resources but to ensure that every benefit due to the people of Bende was attracted to the constituency.
Anyaso dismissed attempts to associate the prayer meeting with recent developments at the National Assembly, where #1bn was allegedly budgeted for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, insisting that the association had been existing long before the party primaries. He maintained that the programme was purely spiritual and aimed at committing the Bende project into God’s hands and has no connection with politics.
On the forthcoming election, he expressed confidence that the votes of the people would be protected and stated that there would be no room for electoral manipulation in Abia State. He commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration and expressed optimism that the Governor would secure re-election in 2027.
He also urged leaders to invest in mentoring younger generations, stressing that leadership should create opportunities for others to succeed. Reaffirming his support for the principle of equity and fairness in leadership, Anyaso said he remained committed to respecting political agreements and ensuring justice in the sharing of elective positions.
In an interview shortly after the event, Very Rev. Ekperi Iheakachi Ako said Anyaso remained the most qualified aspirant for the position, citing his long-standing philanthropic activities, educational interventions and community development projects. He also reaffirmed support for the zoning arrangement, noting that the rotation would be shifted to the Umunna bloc after the completion of the current eight-year tenure by the Ikwuisii bloc.
