Anglican Women Back LP Candidates.
Awka Diocese Conference Boosts Labour Party Aspirants Ahead of Polls.
AWKA, Anambra – The iNews Times | Anglican women in the Diocese of Awka have thrown their weight behind Labour Party (LP) https://labourpartynigeria.com.ng candidates, Ven. Tochukwu Ikezue, the Senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, and Dr. Mrs Mary Ifeoma Obi-Okoye, the House of Representatives candidate for Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia Federal Constituency.
The endorsement came during the 40th Awka Women’s Conference (ADWOC) and 3rd Diocesan Mothers’ Union Conference, where the presence of the two candidates electrified participants who viewed their aspirations as aligned with the church’s values.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
The Mothers’ Union, founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner in England, has grown into a global organisation focused on supporting mothers and promoting Christian family values. In Awka Diocese, the 150th anniversary celebration of the Mothers’ Union provided a platform for reflection on women’s roles in society, including political participation.
This year’s theme, “Pressing Towards the Mark for the Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus,” resonated strongly with calls for righteous leadership.
Key Developments
The LP candidates’ entrance at the conference venue received enthusiastic reception from the Anglican women. Archbishop of the Province on the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, alongside his wife, Dr. Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim, President of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, warmly welcomed the aspirants.
Ven. Ikezue, a clergy-turned-politician, had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop to formally announce his candidacy. Dr. Mrs Obi-Okoye, who also serves as Coordinator of Ladies Knight of the Diocese on the Niger, used the platform to address issues affecting women.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Archbishop Ibezim described the candidates’ presence as a boost to the celebration and prayed for divine guidance in their campaigns. He praised Ven. Ikezue as “a highly respected servant of God who wants to prove the biblical saying, ‘when the righteous is in power, the people rejoice.’”
Dr. Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim also offered prayers for God’s guidance on both candidates.
In his remarks, Ven. Ikezue commended the Diocese for its N100,000 cash grant to indigent members and urged the women to emulate Mary Sumner’s legacy of supporting mothers.
Dr. Mrs Obi-Okoye told participants that electing more women would accelerate national progress. “This is where I fall in; if I’m elected… the women in Awka Diocese will rejoice because when a woman is in power, the nation progresses,” she stated.
Implications
The endorsement by Anglican women, a influential bloc in Anambra’s predominantly Christian society, carries substantial social and electoral weight. It highlights the growing intersection of faith-based groups and politics in the state, potentially mobilising significant female voter turnout for the Labour Party.
The development also underscores women’s push for greater representation, even as aspirants like Obi-Okoye lamented the “pull-her-down syndrome” among some female politicians.
What Happens Next
The candidates are expected to intensify grassroots engagements across their constituencies, leveraging the church network for wider outreach. Political observers anticipate that such high-profile blessings could influence other religious and community groups to declare their positions as the election season gathers momentum in Anambra.
Conclusion
The strong show of support from Anglican women at the Awka conference reinforces the power of faith-based institutions in shaping political conversations in Anambra. As the state prepares for polls, The iNews Times will continue monitoring how these alliances translate into electoral fortunes for Labour Party candidates and the broader implications for women’s participation in governance.
