The Abia State Government has concluded plans to hold a Solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Service as the state approaches another electoral season.

The programme, themed “Remembering the Covenant,” is scheduled for September 24, 2026, at the JAAC Secretariat Auditorium in Umuahia. It is part of activities planned by the government to offer thanksgiving and seek divine guidance for the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and coordinator of the programme, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, said the initiative was considered necessary as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.

Nwachukwu recalled the challenges Abia faced in the past, including periods of poor governance and underdevelopment, and said the state’s leadership had made efforts over the years to address those challenges.

He also recalled the seven-day fasting and prayer programme held after Governor Alex Otti’s emergence in 2023. The exercise, coordinated by the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, culminated in the rededication of Abia at Ngwa High School, Aba, where the state’s leadership entered into a covenant with God.

According to Nwachukwu, the approaching election season provided an opportunity to return to God in thanksgiving and renew the covenant.

“As we get into another season of election, by next month, October, campaigns may start in full swing, it was the thinking of the governor and his leadership that same God, we need to go and thank Him for thus far He has led us, and renew this covenant,” he said.

The commissioner added that the spiritual activities would include three days of fasting and prayers from September 21 to 23, with churches across the state participating from their respective locations. Thanksgiving services are expected to follow in churches across the state on September 26 and 27.

He said the Solemn Assembly would bring together invited government officials, political appointees, traditional rulers and church leaders, with prominent Christian ministers expected to lead various aspects of the programme.

Nwachukwu said Rev. Dr. Sam Oye would minister the Word, while Prophet Isa El-Buba would lead intercessory prayers for the state. Apostle Ofo Nzimiro and other senior Christian leaders were also expected to participate.

He urged residents to view the programme as an opportunity to acknowledge what the government described as God’s faithfulness and commit the future of Abia to Him.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the initiative was conceived from the administration’s belief in seeking divine guidance and committing the affairs of the state to God, particularly as activities surrounding the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Kanu said the government considered it appropriate to return to God in thanksgiving and prayer as another electoral season approaches.