Anglican Diocese Calls For Credible Elections, Sacrificial Leadership

Christian faithful of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland (DLAM) ended their 20th anniversary over the weekend with a call on Nigerians to continue to demand credible elections as a necessary step in the country’s democracy.

The synod called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent and credible, with effective mechanisms for transmitting and collating results.

It urged genuine electoral reform and encouraged Nigerians to register, obtain PVCs and vote wisely. Members were urged to reject violence, thuggery, and electoral malpractice. Clergy and parishes should remain non-partisan, while continuing to pray for politicians of all parties when requested. The occasion, which was the twin celebration of the 20th anniversary and the second session of its seventh synod, afforded delegates the opportunity to examine the state of the church and society and offer their advice.

On national issues, the synod decried the prevailing insecurity and called for urgent improvements in the nation’s security architecture and for cooperation among the different levels of government and security agencies.

They commended the measures recently introduced to improve the welfare and morale of security personnel. On the economy, whilst recognising that some of the fiscal policies implemented by the Government are designed to produce long-term benefits, the Government has been tasked with alleviating the immediate hardship experienced by citizens. It called for fairness and sacrifice at all levels of leadership.

“Government policies will have greater credibility when leaders themselves demonstrate restraint and share in the sacrifices being demanded of the people,” a statement signed by the bishop, Rt. Revd. Akinpelu Johnson, the chancellor, Justice Olayinka Faji, and the synod secretary, Venerable Chidi Ukachukwu, said.

On “he synod theme, “Ebenezer – Thus Far the L” rd Has Helped Us” from 1 Samuel 7:12 on Friday, the synod said the anniversary milestone was both a testimony of gratitude and a call to continued dependence on God.

Citing developments over the past 20 years, Bishop Johnson described the last two decades of DLAM as”a collecti”n of “Ebenezers.”

From three Archdeaconries at inception to eleven today, the Diocese’s growth and projects — including the new Cathedral Sunday School Building dedicated to God’s Sunday — are attributed to God’s grace, not merely human effort.

The Synod acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve transportation through rail projects, BRT, road maintenance, and water transportation.

However, it called for stronger monitoring and enforcement of traffic and security regulations governing commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and minibuses. I’d like to point out that particular concern is expressed over motorcyclists who obstruct road junctions and resist official interventions.

The Synod urged the State Government, Local Government Areas, and Local Community Development Associations to intensify regulation and enforcement to ensure strict compliance with transportation laws.

The four-day synod, held at three centres: Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Saints’ Meta, All Saints’ Church, Paulsa and St. Paul’s Church, Idi Oro, attracted delegates from the 52 churches in the diocese and bishops from 15 other Anglican dioceses.