ABEOKUTA — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Church to take a frontline role in the campaign against vote-buying, electoral violence, intimidation 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, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Governor urged Christian leaders to deploy their influence to promote peaceful political participation, responsible citizenship and issue-based campaigns as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
He said the Church could not afford to remain on the sidelines, given its influence in shaping values, attitudes and behaviour across communities.
According to him, the Church is strategically positioned to educate its members on responsible civic participation and the need to reject practices capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of elections.
Abiodun also urged political actors to focus their campaigns on ideas, vision and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion and other divisive considerations.
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 expressed concern over the vulnerability of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism, urging the Church to strengthen its moral and social guidance for the younger generation.
He called on young Nigerians to channel their talents, creativity and energy into productive ventures that would improve their lives and contribute to national development.
Abiodun further called for stronger collaboration among government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector and civil society, stressing that building a peaceful and prosperous society remained 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 described it as apt, saying the gathering offered an opportunity for prayer, reflection, discernment and renewed commitment to the teachings of Christ.
He said the Synod would enable the Church to reflect on its journey, confront contemporary challenges and chart a purposeful course for the future.
The Governor urged the Church to sustain its contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and community development, describing it as an important voice of conscience in society.
He noted that the Anglican Church had historically expressed its calling through the spread of the gospel, nurturing believers, serving humanity, pursuing justice, peace and reconciliation, and protecting God’s creation.
Abiodun said development should not be measured solely by the number of roads constructed, investments attracted or buildings commissioned, but also by lives transformed, families strengthened and opportunities created.
He urged the Church to remain faithful to Scripture while addressing pressing social challenges, including poverty, insecurity, the plight of vulnerable people and the protection of children.
The Governor expressed optimism that the Synod would produce practical outcomes capable of strengthening the Church and contributing to national renewal.
He said: “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.
“In this way, the impact of the Synod will extend beyond its destination and ceremony and become a living force for spiritual renewal, social transformation and the advancement of God’s kingdom.”
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, called on Christians to recognise that they had been called out of darkness into light and should therefore emulate Christ as the perfect example of a godly life.
Fape, while acknowledging the numerous internal and external challenges confronting Christians in the modern world, urged them to equip themselves with the sound word of God to remain steadfast in the faith and overcome their challenges.
He disclosed that the Diocese of Remo had grown from two archdeaconries, 10 priests and 31 churches at its inauguration on March 5, 1984, to 21 archdeaconries, one chapelry, 33 priests and 48 churches.
Fape appreciated past church officials and sons and daughters of the Remo Diocese, particularly the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Governor Abiodun, for their contributions to the growth of the Church.
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.
Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, selfless service and education, saying the values instilled in him by his parents remained central to his approach to public service.
Abiodun spoke at the dedication of the Emmanuel and Victoria Abiodun Hall, built in honour of his late father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, and his mother, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government Area.
The Governor described the dedication as a sacred meeting point of memory, gratitude, faith and family, as well as a reflection of one generation’s labour and the responsibility of the next to preserve and build upon its legacy.
He said his parents taught him and his siblings that the greatest inheritance was not material wealth but humility, character, knowledge, compassion, discipline and the fear of God.
According to him, his parents belonged to a generation that regarded a good name as more precious than gold and education as an instrument of liberation and service to humanity.
Abiodun said those lessons had continued to shape his conduct and outlook in public office.
He said: “I will continue to stand for integrity over convenience, service over self-interest, and education over ignorance. I will continue to choose compassion over indifference and unity over division.
“My late father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, was a proud son of Iperu, a devoted Christian, an accomplished educationist and a community leader.
“My parents were of different temperaments but united in purpose: to serve God, educate the child, respect human dignity, work honestly, preserve the family and leave the community better than they found it.
“The values of my parents also became part of the moral compass with which I have approached public service.
“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.
“My mother taught me that strength can be gentle, authority can be compassionate, and peace must never be mistaken for weakness.”
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Ogun State until the end of his administration, promising to continue to uphold and demonstrate the values bequeathed to him by his parents.
He said the hall would serve not merely as a physical structure but as a lasting reminder of the principles, faith, commitment to education and dedication to community development that defined his parents’ lives.
Earlier, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, described Abiodun as a good administrator whose administration had provided infrastructure and touched lives across the state.
Ndukuba assured the Governor of the continued support of the Anglican Church for his administration, saying the Church was willing to work with the state government to advance good governance and fulfil its responsibilities to society.
He said the Church had observed developments across Ogun State, particularly in infrastructure, investment promotion and the Governor’s attention to the welfare of the people and younger generation.
“As we travelled round, 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 and a place that people can come and feel at home.
“We have followed the things that God is using you to do, not only in infrastructural development, but also your care for people and touching lives, especially the young people.
“We admire you, we love you, we pray for you, and we assure you that we will continue to be there with you and for you.
“What you have done is a great gift. This is a big legacy, and even after you are no longer here, if Jesus tarries, this gift given to God will speak for you.”