Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Church to take a frontline role in the fight against vote-buying, electoral violence and misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday at the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne.
The governor said the Church could not remain on the sidelines given its influence in shaping values and behaviour, urging Christian leaders to promote peaceful political participation and issue-based campaigns.
“The Church has a critical role to play in preparing our people for the elections by encouraging responsible citizenship, rejecting vote-buying and violence, and ensuring that misinformation does not become a tool for dividing our people,” he said.
He urged political actors to focus on ideas, vision and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion and other divisive considerations, and called on young Nigerians to channel their energies into productive ventures.
Abiodun also called for stronger collaboration among government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector and civil society to build a peaceful and prosperous society.
The Synod, hosted by the Diocese of Remo, is presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba. The theme is “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry.”
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, urged Christians to emulate Christ and remain steadfast amid modern challenges.
Fape said the Diocese had grown from two archdeaconries, 10 priests and 31 churches at its inauguration on March 5, 1984, to 21 archdeaconries, 33 priests and 48 churches.
In a related development, Governor Abiodun on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, selfless service and education at the dedication of the Emmanuel and Victoria Abiodun Hall at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu.
The hall was built in honour of his late father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, and his mother, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun.
Abiodun said his parents taught him that the greatest inheritance was not material wealth but humility, character, knowledge, compassion, discipline and the fear of God.
“My father taught me that public service is a trust, not a possession; that power is temporary, but the consequences of its use may endure for generations,” he said.
Earlier, Primate Ndukuba described Abiodun as a good administrator whose administration had opened up Ogun State for investment and touched lives, assuring him of the Church’s continued support.
“We have seen the great work you’re doing. You have allowed God to use you to open up Ogun State to be an alternative, a destination for investment,” Ndukuba said.
