RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on churches across Nigeria to mobilise their members towards responsible citizenship and peaceful participation in the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The governor urged religious leaders to use the influence of the church to discourage provocation, intimidation, misinformation, electoral malpractice and violence before, during and after the elections.
He maintained that elections should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to examine competing ideas, visions and programmes rather than become a source of hostility among citizens.
“As we approach the forthcoming 2027 general elections, I enjoin the church to promote responsible citizenship and peaceful participation,” Abiodun said.
He urged Christians to perform their civic responsibilities conscientiously while rejecting actions capable of undermining the credibility or peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
The governor said political disagreements should not be allowed to damage relationships among Nigerians, stressing that political differences are temporary while the bonds connecting citizens extend beyond electoral contests.
CHURCH URGED TO PROMOTE PEACE AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP
Abiodun called on the church to continue playing a role in promoting truth, peace and reconciliation, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said religious institutions should be willing to provide constructive advice to governments while maintaining sufficient independence to speak on matters affecting society.
According to him, the church’s relationship with government should allow for cooperation where necessary without compromising its ability to offer sincere counsel.
“The prophetic voice of the church must correct without hatred, challenge without bitterness, and speak truth to power without surrendering love,” the governor said.
“The church must be close enough to government to offer partnership, yet sufficiently independent to provide sincere counsel.”
SYNOD RETURNS TO OGUN AFTER 42 YEARS
Abiodun described Ogun State’s hosting of the General Synod for the first time in 42 years as an honour and recognition of the state’s Christian heritage.
The 15th General Synod is being held under the theme, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of the Ministry.”
The governor said the gathering provided an opportunity for the church to renew its commitment to its religious responsibilities and its wider role in society.
He welcomed the Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, alongside archbishops, bishops, members of the clergy, lay delegates and other participants attending the gathering.
Abiodun also congratulated the Anglican Diocese of Remo and its leadership for hosting the synod.
He acknowledged what he described as the Anglican Church’s longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and human development in Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria.
ABIODUN SEEKS GREATER ATTENTION TO YOUNG PEOPLE
The governor also urged churches to strengthen programmes targeted at young Nigerians, particularly initiatives providing mentorship, opportunities and positive community engagement.
He said young people should be encouraged to direct their creativity, energy and talents towards productive activities and away from violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism.
“Help them channel their energies, creativity, and talents towards productive pursuits rather than violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud, and extremism,” Abiodun said.
He added that young Nigerians require mentors capable of inspiring them, institutions that create opportunities and communities that reinforce positive values.
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR BROADER COLLABORATION
Abiodun further called for stronger cooperation among government institutions, religious organisations, traditional institutions, businesses, civil society organisations and citizens.
He said sustainable development required contributions from different sections of society and could not be achieved by government acting alone.
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, expressed appreciation to members of the diocese for their contributions towards hosting the synod.
Fape urged participants and the wider Christian community to remain committed to positively affecting their communities through good works, evangelism and initiatives aimed at giving hope to people.
The synod brings together senior Anglican leaders, clergy and lay delegates as the church discusses religious, institutional and societal issues, including its responsibilities to communities and the country ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
