2027: Catholic Bishops warn political leaders against manipulating institutions

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has cautioned political leaders against manipulating state institutions to influence the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

The warning formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the bishops’ First Plenary Meeting held from February 19 to 26, 2026, signed by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, outgoing CBCN President, and Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi, outgoing Secretary of the Conference.

Addressing what they described as persistent electoral irregularities in the country, the bishops called on governments at all levels to resist the temptation to seek to win at all costs, including the alleged misuse of institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the judiciary.

ALSO READ: Catholic Bishops to NASS: Mandate real-time transmission of election results from BVAS

According to the communiqué, Nigeria’s electoral process has long been marred by irregularities ranging from vote buying and voter intimidation to falsification of results and the inclusion of fictitious names in voter registers. The bishops said such practices undermine citizens’ confidence and contribute to growing voter apathy.

Citing data from INEC, the CBCN noted that only 23 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 general elections, while turnout in the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections reportedly dropped to seven per cent.

Describing the trend as alarming, the bishops urged the National Assembly to revisit its position on electoral reforms and ensure that the Electoral Act mandates real-time electronic transmission of results from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) directly to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

“Failure to guarantee credible, free and fair elections will only aggravate voter apathy and further weaken our democracy,” the communiqué stated.

The bishops also expressed grave concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, citing recent mass killings in communities across the country, including Woro and Nuku villages in Kwara State, where over 200 people were reportedly killed.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a national security emergency and increasing recruitment into the security forces, the CBCN said more proactive measures were needed.

They called for greater investment in modern surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence gathering, and swift prosecution of individuals involved in terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The bishops warned that delays in prosecuting arrested suspects or reintegrating repentant insurgents without due process could create the impression of government complicity.

On the economy, the bishops lamented what they described as socio-economic sabotage, particularly illegal mining and oil bunkering, which they said cost the nation trillions of naira annually.

They urged the government to deploy advanced technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence to monitor remote mining sites and curb illegal activities.

The communiqué also criticised the continued importation of food as a price-control measure, arguing that it negatively affects local farmers. Instead, the bishops advocated improved security for farming communities and targeted subsidies to boost domestic agricultural production.

Beyond political and economic concerns, the CBCN emphasised the need for leadership anchored on the Common Good, describing it as the totality of social conditions that enable individuals and communities to flourish.

The bishops reiterated that political participation is a moral obligation for Christians and urged citizens to take active roles in shaping Nigeria’s future through responsible engagement in public life.

They encouraged Nigerians not to despair despite prevailing challenges, insisting that “a better Nigeria is possible” through collective commitment to justice, accountability and service.

The plenary also featured the election of new CBCN principal officers. Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, emerged as President, while Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, was elected Vice President.

The bishops congratulated the new leadership and expressed gratitude to the outgoing executive members for their service.

As Nigeria gradually looks toward the 2027 general elections, the CBCN’s message was clear: democracy must be safeguarded through credible elections, accountable leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.