Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged the Church to take a frontline role in the campaign against vote-buying, violence, intimidation and misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abiodun gave the charge at the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion at Ikenne, Ogun State, urging Christian leaders to deploy their influence to promote peaceful participation and responsible citizenship as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

He said the Church could not afford to remain on the sidelines, given its influence in shaping values and behaviours across communities, advised the leadership of the church to educate their members on the need to discharge their civic duties responsibly and resist acts capable of compromising the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections.

The Governor also expressed concern about the vulnerability of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism, calling on the Church to provide stronger moral and social guidance for the younger generation.

He said young Nigerians should be encouraged to deploy their talents and creativity towards productive ventures capable of improving their lives and contributing to National development.

Prince Abiodun later called for greater cooperation among Government, Religious Institutions, Traditional rulers, Private sector and civil society, stressing that the responsibility for building a peaceful and prosperous society should be collective.

The theme of the Synod, "The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God's People for the Work of Ministry", according to the Governor, is apt as it is a sacred moment for prayer, reflection, discernment and renewed commitment to the message of Christ, maintaining that it would enable the church to examine its journey, confront present realities, and chart a purposeful course for the future.

Abiodun, also urged the Church to sustain its contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and community development, describing the Institution as an important voice of conscience in society.

The Governor further urged the Church to remain faithful to Scripture while confronting pressing social challenges, including poverty, insecurity, the plight of vulnerable people and the protection of children.

He expressed optimism that the synod would produce practical outcomes capable of strengthening the Church and contributing to National renewal.

"I am confident that the teaching and the deliberations of this Synod will aspire 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.

"In this way, the impact of the Synod will extend beyond its destinations and ceremony and become a living force for spiritual renewal, social transformation and advancement of God's kingdom," the Governor submitted.

In his welcome address, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, the Most Rev. Michael Fape, called on Christians to recognize that they have been separated from darkness into light, hence the need to emulate Christ, who is a good example of godly life.

While acknowledging the internal and external numerous battles being faced by Christians in the modern world, Bishop Fape, urged them to equip themselves with sound word of God to remain in faith and surmount their challenges.

He informed that the Remo Diocese, had grown from two Archdeaconries, 10 Priests and 31 Churches at its inauguration on March 5, 1984, to 21 Archdeaconries, a Chapelry, 33 Priests and 48 churches, appreciating past church officials, sons and daughters of Remo Diocese, particularly Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for contributing to the growth of the Church.

The Synod was presided by the Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.