2027: Abiodun urges church to fight against vote-buying, electoral violence
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged 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, Ogun State. He urged Christian leaders to use their influence to promote peaceful political participation, responsible citizenship and issue-based campaigns.
The Governor also called on political actors to focus on ideas, vision and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion and other divisive considerations.
He expressed concern over the vulnerability of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism, urging the Church to strengthen moral guidance for the younger generation.
Speaking on the Synod theme, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” Abiodun urged the Church to sustain its contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and community development, while addressing poverty, insecurity and the plight of vulnerable people.
He 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.
Abiodun expressed confidence that the Synod would produce practical outcomes that would contribute to spiritual and social renewal.
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 remain steadfast in the faith, disclosing that the Diocese of Remo had grown from two archdeaconries, 10 priests and 31 churches in 1984 to 21 archdeaconries, one chapelry, 33 priests and 48 churches.
