The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on political leaders to ensure that the 2027 general election is free, fair and credible, warning against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
The bishops stated that the up-coming general election provides an ample opportunity for election management bodies and political actors to rebuild public confidence in democracy and urged those in positions of authority to respect the rules governing the electoral process.
The appeal was made by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, during the opening session of the Conference’s Second Plenary Meeting in Ede, Osun State.
The plenary, which began on September 10 and is scheduled to end on September 18, and brought together Catholic bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, the clergy, consecrated men and women, lay faithful and other Church leaders.
Ndagoso described politics as a noble profession when it is pursued in the interest of the common good, urging political leaders to create an electoral environment where all participants can compete fairly and freely.
“Politics is a noble profession at the service of the common good and should be treated as such,” he said.
The CBCN president said elected and appointed officials, including the President, governors, lawmakers, ministers and local government chairmen, had a responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure that electoral rules were respected.
He maintained that credible elections were achievable if Nigerians demonstrated the necessary political will, adding that the country should not see the conduct of free and fair polls as an impossible task.
Ndagoso also urged eligible voters to reject vote-buying and selling, political cronyism, bausea and attempts by politicians to recruit citizens as thugs during the 2027 election.
He said Nigerians should resist being used to advance the interests of politicians whose actions could undermine the electoral process and threaten peaceful participation.
The bishops’ position was made amid rising concerns and political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with political actors already mobilising supporters and positioning themselves for the contest in already over-charged atmosphere.
The CBCN president noted that campaigns would increasingly occupy public spaces as politicians intensify efforts to win voters, stressing the need for the process to remain peaceful, inclusive and transparent.
At the opening of the plenary, Ndagoso welcomed the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and other government officials to the gathering, emphasising the need for politicians to work in the overall interest of especially the poor and ordinary citizens.
He congratulated Adeleke over his re-election and commended other candidates who participated in the Osun governorship election.
The archbishop subsequently appealed to all political actors in Osun State to put the election behind them, unite and focus on delivering meaningful development to the people.
