Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has enjoined the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Wednesday to stop election violence, malpractice, and misinformation as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church in Ikenne, Ogun State, the governor told religious leaders to encourage their members on how to vote peacefully and act as good citizens.
He delivered his address during the opening ceremony of the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He explained that voting must focus on sharing plans and visions for the country instead of causing fights between citizens.
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“As we approach the forthcoming 2027 general elections, I enjoin the church to promote responsible citizenship and peaceful participation,” Abiodun told the gathering.
“Encourage your members to perform their civic responsibilities conscientiously and reject provocation, intimidation, misinformation, electoral malpractices, and violence. Elections should be a contest of ideas, visions, and programmes—not a battlefield upon which brothers and sisters turn against one another. Political differences are temporary, but the bonds that unite us are enduring.”
Church guidance and public duties
Governor Abiodun asked church leaders to give honest advice to political leaders while keeping their independence from government influence. He noted that Christian leaders must speak up for truth and peace without showing hatred or anger toward those in power.
“The prophetic voice of the church must . . . [be] without hatred, challenge without bitterness, and speak truth to power without surrendering love,” Abiodun said.
“The church must be close enough to government to offer partnership, yet sufficiently independent to provide sincere counsel.”
The governor praised the Anglican Church for helping people across Nigeria and Ogun State through schools, hospitals, moral teachings, and human growth.
He also asked religious groups to protect young people from bad habits like crime, illegal drugs, online cheating, and violence. He stated that teenagers and young adults need good leaders, jobs, and supportive communities to help them use their talents for good work.
To build a better country, the governor stated that the government cannot fix every problem alone. He called for cooperation between government workers, religious groups, traditional rulers, private companies, civil groups, and ordinary citizens.
Historic Anglican gathering in Remo
The 15th General Synod brings church representatives together under the theme, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of the Ministry.” Abiodun stated that hosting the event in Ogun State represents an honour for the state and its Christian history, noting that the national church meeting last took place in the state 42 years ago.
The governor welcomed top church leaders to the event, including the Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba. He also greeted visiting archbishops, bishops, their wives, pastors, delegates, and guests who traveled to Ikenne.
Abiodun commended the Anglican Diocese of Remo and its leader, Most Reverend Dr Michael Olusina Fape, who serves as the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, for organizing the national event.
During his opening speech, Archbishop Fape thanked members of the local diocese for donating funds and resources to host the historic meeting. He asked all church members to keep helping their local communities, preaching the gospel, bringing hope to struggling people, and showing God’s love through good deeds.
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