2027: Abiodun Urges Church to Lead Campaign Against Vote-Buying, Violence

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged the Church to play a more active role in promoting credible and peaceful elections by mobilising citizens against vote-buying, electoral violence, intimidation and misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abiodun made the call on Wednesday while speaking 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 the state.

The governor said the influence of religious institutions placed the Church in a strategic position to educate citizens on responsible participation and encourage issue-based political campaigns.

He urged Christian leaders to mobilise their congregations to reject practices capable of undermining the credibility of elections while promoting peaceful political engagement and responsible citizenship.

According to him, political actors should concentrate on their ideas, programmes and vision for the country instead of exploiting ethnicity, religion and other divisive sentiments.

“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 also expressed concern over the exposure of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism, calling on the Church to strengthen its moral and social interventions for the younger generation.

He encouraged young Nigerians to deploy their creativity, talents and energy to productive activities that would improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

The governor also advocated stronger collaboration among government, religious bodies, traditional institutions, the private sector and civil society, saying the responsibility for building a peaceful and prosperous society could not be left to one institution.

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 timely, noting that the gathering provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection and renewed commitment to Christian teachings.

He urged the Church to continue its contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and community development, while remaining an important voice on issues affecting society.

Abiodun said development should not be assessed only by physical infrastructure and investments, but also by the number of lives transformed, families strengthened and opportunities created.

He further called on the Church to address challenges including poverty, insecurity, the plight of vulnerable people and the protection of children.

“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,” he said.

Abiodun Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity
At a separate event on Tuesday, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, selfless service and education, saying the values instilled in him by his late parents continued to shape his approach to public service.

He spoke at the dedication of the Emmanuel and Victoria Abiodun Hall, named in honour of his late father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, and mother, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu.

Abiodun described the dedication as a celebration of faith, family, gratitude and legacy, saying his parents taught him and his siblings that character, humility, knowledge, compassion, discipline and the fear of God were more valuable than material possessions.

He said those values had become part of the moral compass guiding his conduct 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,” the governor said.

He described his late father as a devoted Christian, educationist and community leader who taught him that public service was a trust rather than a possession.

Abiodun also said his mother taught him that strength could be exercised with gentleness and authority with compassion.

The governor pledged to continue serving the people of Ogun State until the end of his administration and uphold the principles passed on to him by his parents.

He said the new hall would serve as a lasting reminder of their commitment to faith, education, integrity and community development.

Anglican Primate Commends Abiodun
Earlier, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, commended Abiodun’s administration for its infrastructure projects and efforts aimed at improving the lives of residents.

Ndukuba assured the governor of the Anglican Church’s continued support and willingness to collaborate with the state government in promoting good governance and social development.

He said the Church had observed developments in Ogun, particularly in infrastructure, investment promotion and programmes targeting young people.

The Primate said the governor had helped position Ogun as an investment destination and commended his administration for what he described as efforts to touch lives across the state.

The Synod, hosted by the Diocese of Remo, is presided over by Ndukuba.