Jelili Gbadamosi
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged Christian leaders to use their influence to discourage vote-buying, electoral violence, intimidation and the spread of 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, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The governor said the Church had an important role to play in promoting responsible citizenship and peaceful political participation because of its reach and influence across communities.
He urged religious leaders to educate their members on the importance of credible elections and encourage political participation based on issues, policies and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion or other divisive considerations.
According to Abiodun, the Church should not remain on the sidelines as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
He said, “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.”
The governor also expressed concern over the exposure of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism.
He called on the Church to strengthen its moral and social guidance for young Nigerians while encouraging them to channel their talents and creativity into productive activities.
Abiodun further advocated closer cooperation between government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector and civil society, describing peaceful and sustainable development as a collective responsibility.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” the governor said the gathering provided an opportunity for reflection, prayer and renewed commitment to Christian values.
He urged the Anglican Church to sustain its contributions to education, healthcare, community development and moral instruction, while also addressing challenges such as poverty, insecurity and the protection of vulnerable people.
Abiodun said the impact of the Church should extend beyond worship and include practical efforts that transform communities and improve the lives of individuals and families.
“I am confident that the teachings and deliberations of this Synod will inspire all the attendees to transform their faith into good works by serving their communities, supporting the vulnerable, mentoring young people, making peace and demonstrating the love of Christ in their daily lives,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, urged Christians to remain grounded in the word of God amid the challenges confronting the Church and society.
Fape disclosed that the Diocese of Remo had grown from two archdeaconries, 10 priests and 31 churches at its inauguration in 1984 to 21 archdeaconries, one chapelry, 33 priests and 48 churches.
The Synod, hosted by the Diocese of Remo, is being presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
Meanwhile, Abiodun on Tuesday said the values instilled in him by his late parents had continued to influence his approach to public service.
He spoke at the dedication of the Emmanuel and Victoria Abiodun Hall, built in honour of his late father, Dr Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, and mother, Chief Mrs Victoria Abiodun, at St James’ Anglican Church, Iperu.
The governor said his parents taught him the importance of humility, integrity, education, compassion, discipline and service to humanity.
He described public office as a trust rather than a possession and pledged to continue serving Ogun State based on the values he inherited from his parents.
Also speaking at the event, Ndukuba commended the Abiodun administration for what he described as its efforts in infrastructure development, investment promotion and youth-focused initiatives.
The Anglican leader assured the governor of the Church’s continued support and willingness to collaborate with the state government in promoting good governance and social development.
