Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on the Church in Nigeria to use its influence to encourage responsible citizenship and peaceful participation as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 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 Christian leaders to encourage their members to participate responsibly in the electoral process while rejecting intimidation, misinformation, electoral malpractice and violence.
He said the Church had an important role to play in promoting peaceful political engagement because of its reach and influence across communities.
Abiodun Calls for Responsible Electoral Participation
According to Abiodun, Nigerians should approach the 2027 elections as an opportunity to consider competing ideas, visions and programmes rather than allowing political differences to create hostility among citizens.
“As we approach the forthcoming 2027 general elections, I enjoin the church to promote responsible citizenship and peaceful participation,” the governor said.
He also urged the Church to encourage its members to carry out their civic responsibilities conscientiously and reject actions that could undermine the credibility or peaceful conduct of the elections.
Abiodun specifically mentioned provocation, intimidation, misinformation, electoral malpractice and violence among the practices he said citizens should reject.
His comments come as political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections gradually increase across Nigeria.
Church Asked to Maintain Independence
The governor also called on religious leaders to remain a voice for truth, peace and reconciliation while maintaining their independence when engaging with government.
He said the Church should be able to work with government where cooperation serves the public interest while retaining enough independence to provide constructive criticism and advice.
“The prophetic voice of the church must correct without hatred, challenge without bitterness, and speak truth to power without surrendering love,” Abiodun said.
He added that the relationship between government and the Church should allow religious institutions to offer partnership while remaining sufficiently independent to provide sincere counsel.
The emphasis on institutional independence is particularly relevant during election periods, when religious institutions can become important spaces for civic discussions and community engagement.
Focus on Young Nigerians
Abiodun also used the occasion to call for greater attention to young people.
He said young Nigerians need mentors, opportunities and communities that can help them channel their energy and creativity into productive activities.
The governor urged the Church to help steer young people away from violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism while supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for personal and community development.
The call places youth engagement alongside peaceful participation as part of the broader responsibilities Abiodun said religious institutions could help promote ahead of the election.
15th General Synod Holds in Ogun
The event was the opening of the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
The synod is being held under the theme, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of the Ministry.”
Abiodun described Ogun State’s hosting of the gathering as significant, noting that the state was hosting the General Synod for the first time in 42 years.
He welcomed the Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, as well as archbishops, bishops, clergy, lay delegates and other participants to Ogun State.
The governor also congratulated the Anglican Diocese of Remo, led by the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Reverend Dr Michael Olusina Fape, for hosting the gathering.
Anglican Church’s Role in Society
Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of the Anglican Church to education, healthcare, moral instruction and human development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
He encouraged the Church to sustain those contributions while continuing to engage with issues affecting communities.
In his remarks, Fape thanked members of the diocese for their support in hosting the synod and urged participants to remain committed to community service, evangelism and activities that provide hope to people.
The emphasis on community service also reflects the broader role religious institutions have historically played in Nigerian communities, particularly through schools, healthcare facilities, social programmes and other forms of community support.
A Wider Electoral Context
Abiodun’s latest appeal is not his first call for religious and traditional institutions to support peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In August, he urged traditional rulers in Ogun State to use their grassroots influence to encourage informed and peaceful participation and to discourage violence, thuggery and hatred during the electoral period.
The Ogun State government has also said it intends to maintain a peaceful political environment ahead of the elections and allow political parties and candidates to conduct campaigns in accordance with the law.
Abiodun’s latest message therefore places the Church alongside traditional institutions and other community stakeholders in the effort to encourage peaceful political participation.
Why the Message Matters
Nigeria’s elections involve millions of voters and a wide range of political parties, candidates, interests and competing policy positions. Religious institutions are among the organisations with extensive community networks and established communication channels.
Calls for peaceful participation are consequently relevant to the conduct of political activities before, during and after elections.
At the same time, Abiodun’s remarks do not determine how citizens should vote. His appeal focuses on the manner in which citizens and political actors participate in the democratic process, including the rejection of violence, intimidation, misinformation and electoral malpractice.
For voters, the practical significance of such appeals lies in maintaining the distinction between political competition and conduct that can undermine peaceful participation.
What Happens Next
Political activities will continue to develop as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
For the Church and other civic institutions, the role outlined by Abiodun includes encouraging responsible citizenship, peaceful participation and informed engagement while retaining the ability to provide independent counsel.
For political actors and voters, the electoral period will involve further campaigns, policy discussions and mobilisation as the 2027 process progresses.
Weng Global will continue to monitor developments surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 elections and report confirmed developments, official statements and relevant electoral information as they emerge.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch Newspapers — report on Abiodun’s call for the Church to promote peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The Guardian Nigeria — report on Abiodun’s call for the Church to address vote-buying, violence and misinformation.
- Punch Newspapers — report on Abiodun’s earlier appeal to traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The Guardian Nigeria — report on the Ogun government’s position on maintaining a peaceful political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Radio Nigeria Ibadan — report on Abiodun’s engagement with traditional rulers concerning the 2027 elections.
