2027: Bende Clerics Back Anyaso’s House of Reps Bid, Say It’s Umunna’s Turn

Christian leaders from Bende have endorsed Dr. Chima Anyaso’s bid for the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election, saying both equity and his record of service make him the right person to represent the constituency.

The endorsement came during a prayer meeting organised by the Bende Christian Ministers Forum for Ofuji, where they also raised a prayer alter for him.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Rev HenryKay Okoronkwo, Very Rev. Dr. Ekpeeri Iheakachi Okoh said the ministers were convinced Anyaso deserved their support after considering his contributions to the community and the long-standing zoning arrangement in Bende.

According to him, the House of Representatives seat was meant to rotate between the Ikwuishi and Umunna blocs.

With the Ikwuishi bloc having held the position for the past eight years, he said it was only fair for the seat to return to Umunna

“We believe it’s Umunna’s turn, and we have someone we trust to represent the people well,” Okoh said.

He also pointed to Anyaso’s philanthropic work, particularly the free school he established in Bende nearly two decades ago.

“That school is still running, and families have continued to benefit from it without paying fees.

“We have seen what he has done over the years, and that is one of the reasons we are supporting him,” he added.

Responding, Anyaso thanked the ministers for standing with him and clarified that the gathering had been planned long before the recent political controversy involving the Bende Federal Constituency.

He said the clerics organised the meeting on their own and that it should not be linked to the budget padding allegations currently attracting public attention.

“I didn’t invite the ministers. They’ve been part of this journey for more than a year. Today’s gathering wasn’t called because of recent events in Abuja.

“It was simply an opportunity to pray and commit this journey to God,” he said.

Anyaso maintained that he believes it is his turn to contest for the seat but stressed that he would seek the mandate through the democratic process.

“I’m not asking anyone to hand me the position.

“Elections are decided by the people, and I’m prepared to earn their support through campaigns and engagement,” he said.

He said respecting the existing zoning arrangement would strengthen fairness and unity in Bende, adding that agreements should be honoured.

On the 2027 elections, Anyaso expressed confidence that votes would count in Abia, saying the state had moved beyond the era of manipulated election results.

“Our focus is to meet the people, tell them what we stand for and earn their votes. Once they vote, we’ll make sure every lawful vote is protected,” he said.

Reflecting on his community service, Anyaso recalled putting aside plans to build his own house in order to establish a nursery school after discovering that none existed in his community.

The school later expanded into a primary school and has continued to provide free education for children.

“I’ve always believed that success should benefit other people.

“That’s why I’ve continued to invest in education and community development,” he said.

He also said public office should be about service rather than personal gain, noting that his businesses would continue to operate under professional management if he is elected.

“I have a life outside politics. My businesses are already structured to run without me.

“Public office is an opportunity to serve, and when that service is over, I’ll return to my businesses,” he said.

Anyaso promised to respect the zoning arrangement if elected and said he would not seek to remain in office beyond the agreed period.

The ministers concluded the gathering with prayers for Anyaso and his political ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, the 3rd Deputy Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, disclosed that he was part of the signing of a document of rotation of the house of representatives seat for Bende federal constituency.

According to him, Bende Federal Constituency seat should return to Bende North (Umunna Bloc) in 2027 in keeping with the agreement which he said was jointly endorsed by traditional rulers across Bende.

“I was part of the signing of the document. I signed the agreement. Eze Akaliro, Patrick Ude, we were four that signed the agreement as Leaders of Traditional Rulers which had 65 Monarchs from Bende,“ Ukaegbu said.