By Reverend Arc. Samuel Ugochukwu
Owerri, May 10, 2026 — The atmosphere inside HOGIC Church, Egbu Owerri, was charged with reverence and gratitude as Bishop Prof. Athan Azubuike JP delivered a sermon that transcended the ordinary. Preaching on the theme “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep to it,” the Bishop turned the pulpit into a stage of spiritual affirmation, extolling Governor Hope Uzodimma for accepting what he described as a divine summons to contest the Imo West Senatorial seat.
For Bishop Azubuike, this was not a matter of politics alone. It was a sacred duty, a response to prayerful discernment, and a step toward fulfilling a spiritual destiny for Ndigbo. “My heart swells with immense joy and gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma,” he declared, his voice resonating through the congregation. “This acceptance is a testament to his responsiveness to the yearnings of Ndigbo and, most importantly, to a higher calling.”
The Bishop, revered across Igboland for his spiritual insight and moral authority, framed Uzodimma’s candidacy as the answer to a collective yearning for a strong, nationally influential voice in the Senate. He emphasized that the decision was born out of prayer, contemplation, and the recognition of the need for effective advocacy at the federal level. In his words, Uzodimma’s leadership acumen and national standing made him the most fitting choice to champion Igbo interests.
A cornerstone of Bishop Azubuike’s message was his assurance of divine assistance. With fervor, he proclaimed that righteous endeavors aimed at the collective good are divinely supported. “When a leader answers the call to serve for the greater good, the Almighty stands with them,” he said, invoking scripture to affirm that Governor Uzodimma’s journey would be guided by grace.
The sermon was more than endorsement; it was a rallying cry. Bishop Azubuike’s words blended spiritual reassurance with moral conviction, offering both encouragement to the Governor and inspiration to the faithful. He concluded with blessings that carried the weight of prophecy: “Rest assured, as you embark on this electoral journey, the hand of the Almighty will guide you, protect you, and ultimately grant you victory.”
In that moment, the church became more than a place of worship — it became a platform where faith and politics intertwined, where the destiny of a people was framed as both a spiritual mission and a political mandate. Bishop Azubuike’s blessing was not just for Uzodimma, but for Ndigbo at large, a promise of renewed honor and amplified voice on the national stage.
