Nigerian Baptist Convention Picks Idowu as Next President, Awaits Ratification

By Samuel Solomon

The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Baptist Convention has approved the nomination of Rev. Dr. David Olusola Idowu as President-Elect, setting the stage for a leadership transition within the Convention.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Nigerian Baptist Convention PRO, Rev. Eben Durodola on Tuesday March 17, 2026.
Rev. Dr. Idowu, who currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos, was endorsed following the recommendation of the Convention’s Search Committee.

The Committee, after what it described as a thorough and prayerful process, presented him as the nominee to succeed the incumbent President, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji who will be completing his 5 years single term by April due to the attainment of the mandatory retirement age of sixty five (65years) in August, 2026 for Baptist Clergymen.

The nomination is, however, subject to formal ratification at the 113th Annual Convention in Session, scheduled to take place on April 23, 2026, in Abuja.

Beyond his pastoral role, Rev. Dr. Idowu is the Chairman of the Pastors’ Fellowship of the Lagos East Baptist Conference. He is widely regarded for his scholarly depth and leadership acumen, earning respect across both ministerial and academic communities.

Rev. Dr. Idowu and his family joined Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church, Ilasamaja, for about eleven years ago and since then the church has been growing significantly.