Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Church to take a frontline role in tackling 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, Ogun State. The synod is being hosted by the Diocese of Remo and runs from September 14 to 18, 2026.
The governor urged Christian leaders to use 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 within communities.
According to Abiodun, the Church is strategically positioned to educate its members on responsible civic participation and encourage them to reject practices capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of elections.
He also urged political actors to focus their campaigns on ideas, vision and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion and other divisive considerations.
“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.
Abiodun 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.
The governor 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,” Abiodun described it as apt, saying the gathering provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection, discernment and renewed commitment to Christian teachings.
He 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.
Abiodun said development should not be measured solely by 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.
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 equip themselves with the word of God to remain steadfast in their faith.
Fape said the Diocese of Remo had grown significantly since its inauguration in 1984, from two archdeaconries, 10 priests and 31 churches to 21 archdeaconries, one chapelry, 33 priests and 48 churches.
He appreciated past church officials and sons and daughters of the Remo Diocese, including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Governor Abiodun, for their contributions to the growth of the Church.
The synod is being presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
Abiodun recounts parents’ values
Meanwhile, Abiodun on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, selfless service and education, saying the values instilled in him by his parents continued to shape 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 his mother, Chief (Mrs) Victoria Abiodun, at St James’ Anglican Church, Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government Area.
The governor described the dedication as a 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 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 Abiodun, his parents belonged to a generation that regarded a good name as more valuable than material wealth and education as an instrument of liberation and service to humanity.
He said those lessons continued to influence his conduct and outlook in public office.
“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,” he said.
Abiodun described his late father as a proud son of Iperu, a devoted Christian, an educationist and a community leader.
He said the values of both parents had become part of the moral compass with which he approached public service, adding that his father taught him that public service was a trust rather than a possession.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Ogun State until the end of his administration and pledged to uphold the values passed down to him by his parents.
He said the hall would serve not only as a physical structure but also as a lasting reminder of his parents’ commitment to faith, education and community development.
Also speaking, Primate Ndukuba described Abiodun as an administrator whose government had provided infrastructure and touched lives across Ogun State.
Ndukuba assured the governor of the Anglican Church’s continued support and willingness to work with the state government in advancing good governance and its responsibilities to society.
He said the Church had observed developments in Ogun State, particularly in infrastructure, investment promotion and attention to the welfare of residents and young people.
