Nigerian Bishops Emphasize Importance of Credible Electoral Process for National Unity.
Nigerian Bishops Emphasize Importance of Credible Electoral Process for National Unity.
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Reverend Matthew Ndagoso, has issued a strong warning to Nigerians to reject vote-buying and vote-selling as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Ndagoso, who also serves as the Archbishop of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, made this call during the second plenary meeting of the CBCN held in Osogbo, Osun State, on Sunday. The event was hosted by the Osogbo Catholic Diocese.
In his address, Ndagoso expressed deep concern over the rising disenchantment among Nigerians regarding the electoral process. He noted that many citizens harbor fears about potential manipulation and doubt whether their votes truly count. This distrust, he warned, could undermine the legitimacy of future elections and discourage voter participation. To address these issues, he urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement measures that ensure the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible. He emphasized that anything less would be a disservice to Nigeria’s democracy.
The Catholic bishops’ leader also called on the government to make voter registration more accessible, advocating for the removal of obstacles that hinder eligible Nigerians from obtaining their voter cards. He argued that simplifying the registration process would encourage greater participation and help ensure that election outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people. Ndagoso maintained that a credible electoral process would restore public confidence and elevate Nigeria’s standing on the international stage.
He further praised INEC for its conduct during the recent Osun State off-season election, which was widely regarded as free and fair by election observers and analysts. The bishop expressed hope that this positive development signals a brighter future for Nigeria’s electoral process, especially ahead of the 2027 polls. “What happened in Osun has given a glimmer of hope and confidence to many Nigerians. We hope it is a sign of better things to come,” he stated.
Ndagoso also urged Nigerians, especially Catholic lay faithful, to actively participate in the political process. He called on them to reject corrupt practices such as vote-buying, vote-selling, and political cronyism, as well as cynicism that undermines democratic values. “We encourage our faithful and all people of goodwill to reject vote-selling and buying, and resist political cronyism and cynicism,” he emphasized.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy Kola Adewusi, acknowledged the church’s contributions to Nigeria’s development in education, healthcare, and peacebuilding. He appealed to the church to intensify prayers for a peaceful and credible 2027 election, emphasizing that electoral peace requires both civic responsibility and divine intervention. The call for a peaceful electoral process underscores the importance of unity and collective effort in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
