The Anglican Diocese of Lagos West has urged Nigerians to avoid all forms of electoral violence, vote-buying, hate speech, and misinformation in the 2027 General Elections.
The Bishop, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, made the appeal, on Friday at the 27th Annual Conference of the Women Organisation of the diocese.
The event held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Memorial Women Conference Centre, Ipaja, on Friday.
The conference had theme: “Dressed for Honour”.
Odedeji said that Nigerians should pray earnestly that God should grant the country free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections in 2027.
He said: “As we gather for this year’s annual conference of the women organisation, we must remain informed about some of the major developments shaping our nation.
“Preparations for the 2027 General Elections have continued to gather momentum across the country. INEC has released timetable for the elections.
“INEC has set Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027,” he said.
The bishop noted that political consultations, party activities, coalition-building, voter education and other electoral processes were underway.
“As responsible Christian citizens, we encourage all eligible Nigerians, particularly our women, to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.
“Above all, let us continue to pray that the Lord will raise leaders who fear Him, uphold justice, promote equity and work tirelessly for the peace, unity, security, and sustainable development of our nation.”
Odedeji said that the diocese would continue to pray for the nation, support all lawful efforts to promote peace, and encourage families to uphold the values of righteousness, patriotism and responsible citizenship.
The anglican bishop commended the Federal Government, Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and all those daily putting their lives on the line to safeguard the nation.
Odedeji said that the persistence of security challenges in Nigeria called for renewed commitment and more decisive action to overcome them.
He said: “Security continues to dominate national discourse.
“Various parts of the country are still contending with terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts and attacks on schools and farming communities.
“We respectfully urge the government and the security agencies to intensify efforts toward restoring lasting peace and ensuring that every Nigerian would live, work and worship without fear.”
The bishop also commended Federal Government’s effort at evacuating Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests in South Africa.
He called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The bishop urged South African authorities to guarantee safety of Nigerian citizens residing in the country.
The cleric said that Christian women were expected to obey law and order, including unauthorised trading on road medians.
He said that members of the women organisation should advise their neighbours and other members of their communities to be law-abiding.
The Wife of the Bishop, Dr Lydia Odedeji, said the conference’s theme was taken from Proverbs 31 verse 25 in the Bible: ‘Strength and honour were her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come’.
“Last year, we deliberated on ‘Do not give place to the enemy (Ephesians 4:27)’. This year’s conference comes with another timely and prophetic theme: ‘Dressed for Honour’, rooted in Proverbs 31:25.
“We are being called to a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live as women of virtue in our generation.
“This scripture presents a powerful picture of a woman whose inner life is fully aligned with God and whose outer life reflects
that alignment.
“Scripture goes on to say that her worth is “far above rubies.” This means she is not just valuable, she is invaluable,” she said.
She said that a woman’s presence should bring stability to her home, honour to her family, and light to her generation.
“She builds, she nurtures, she strengthens, and she uplifts. Her influence extends far beyond what the eyes can see,” she said.
The conference was also attended by the Dean of the cathedral, Ven. Arire Kolawole, and Life Patron of the women organisation, Chief Atoyebi Oyeleke, among other dignitaries.
