Anglican Women Demand Electoral Act Enforcement, Decry Insecurity, Hardship

Women of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Abuja, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly enforce the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They also urged governments at all levels to urgently tackle insecurity, economic hardship, youth unemployment, domestic violence and other challenges threatening families and communities across the country.

The women made the demands in a communiqué presented by the President of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild and Girls’ Guild, Diocese of Abuja, Mrs Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba, at the 27th Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference held at the Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja.

The conference was held under the theme, “Rooted in Christ: The Hallmark of a Believer,” drawn from Colossians 2:6–7.

On the 2027 elections, the women urged eligible Christian women to take their civic responsibilities seriously by ensuring their voter registration documents were in order, studying candidates and issues and participating peacefully in the electoral process.

They called on INEC to uphold the provisions of the Electoral Act, stressing the need for a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process.

The women also encouraged Christian women to develop their leadership capacities and participate actively in public discourse while promoting integrity, compassion and accountability.

On insecurity, the conference expressed concern over persistent kidnapping, terrorism, communal conflicts and other threats to lives and property, noting that women, children and other vulnerable groups continued to bear the brunt.

“The Union calls upon Government at all levels to strengthen the protection of lives and property through effective security measures, timely response to threats, intelligence gathering, community-based security initiatives and improved coordination among relevant security agencies,” the communiqué stated.

It also called for accountability for perpetrators and adequate support for victims and displaced persons, while urging churches to intensify prayers, peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.

The women expressed particular concern over farmers-herders clashes, saying the violence had displaced families, restricted access to farmlands and destroyed livelihoods.

They warned that the crisis was aggravating food scarcity and hunger as affected families were forced to seek refuge in internally displaced persons’ camps.

“The conference, in strong terms, calls on the government to actively address this situation and implement security measures to curb this menace to avoid uncontrollable escalation, resort to self-help, and breakdown of law and order,” it stated.

The conference also raised concerns over the poor condition of federal highways, which it said had exposed motorists and other road users to kidnapping and armed robbery.

It appealed to the Minister of Works to ensure proper maintenance of federal roads and equitable distribution of road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country.

While commending the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his team for ongoing road rehabilitation in parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the women appealed for the rehabilitation of the Idu-Zhidu road leading to Anglican International Academy.

“The conference commends the FCT Minister, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, and his team for the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in the AMAC environs.

“However, the conference appeals that the road in Idu-Zhidu leading to Anglican International Academy (AIA) be rehabilitated to aid ease of movement,” the communiqué stated.

On the economy, the women decried the rising cost of food, housing, transportation, education and healthcare, saying the burden was particularly severe for widows and other economically vulnerable women.

They also expressed concern over rising airfares, which they said had made air travel increasingly unaffordable for low-income earners.

The women urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory agencies to monitor airfare pricing and address excessive charges.

They called on governments to intensify measures to reduce the economic burden on families through improved access to affordable food, healthcare, education, housing and transportation.

The conference also urged Christian women’s organisations to strengthen economic empowerment initiatives through vocational and skills training, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, cooperative schemes and mentorship.

On youth unemployment, the women warned that the lack of meaningful economic opportunities could expose young people to crime, substance abuse, exploitation and other harmful behaviours.

They therefore called for greater investment in decent employment opportunities, vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes and affordable financing for young Nigerians.

The conference condemned domestic violence, sexual abuse, harassment, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation against women and girls.

“The Union condemns all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination against women and girls and calls for concerted efforts to prevent such violations and protect those at risk,” it stated.

The women called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and girls, improved access to justice and the provision of medical, psychosocial and rehabilitation services for survivors.

They also urged churches and Christian organisations to establish confidential reporting channels, counselling services and referral systems for victims of abuse.

On healthcare, the conference emphasised the need for improved maternal healthcare, antenatal and postnatal services, cancer screening, reproductive health services and preventive medical care.

It also encouraged Christian women to prioritise regular medical check-ups, healthy nutrition, physical activity and timely access to professional healthcare.

The women called for stronger mental health and family support programmes, noting that economic pressures, bereavement, insecurity and relationship difficulties could contribute to emotional and psychological distress.

They urged women experiencing mental health challenges to seek professional assistance without fear of stigma or discrimination.

On natural disasters, the conference expressed concern over flooding, windstorms and erosion, which it said continued to cause loss of lives, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.

It urged governments to strengthen flood prevention measures, drainage infrastructure, early-warning systems and emergency preparedness, while encouraging churches to provide humanitarian support to affected communities.

The women reaffirmed their commitment to addressing challenges confronting families and communities through faith, advocacy and practical support.

“The Mothers’ Union recognises that the challenges confronting the nation require not only governmental intervention but also the active participation of churches, families, civil society and individual citizens,” the communiqué stated.

They urged Christian women to strengthen their families, care for vulnerable people, promote peace, protect the dignity of women and children and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The communiqué was signed by Ndukuba and members of the communiqué committee, including its chairperson, Barrister Nneka Ifeoma Onyia, Dr Precious Okey-Nwala, Dr Uche Amah and Dr Ijeoma Kemka.