Abuja: The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria have called for free, fair and peaceful elections, urging citizens and political leaders to protect the democratic process as the country prepares for presidential and legislative elections in January 2027.
The appeal comes amid growing security concerns following a series of deadly attacks in different parts of the country. The Bishops have also called for three days of prayer and fasting across Nigeria under the theme, “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” inspired by the biblical verse Amos 5:24.
Father Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, said the Church's main concern was to ensure that citizens could freely choose their leaders and that election results accurately reflected the people's decisions.
Recent attacks have increased concerns about security in the country. On October 23, armed men attacked the village of Binnari in Taraba State, northeastern Nigeria, killing 62 people and injuring 52 others. Some residents attempting to escape by crossing a river drowned before reaching the opposite bank.
Earlier, on October 17, a military convoy was attacked near Gamboru, close to the border with Cameroon, after one of its vehicles struck a landmine. The explosion and subsequent gunfire killed 10 soldiers and five members of an auxiliary militia.
Another attack took place on October 10 along the road between Gwashi and Nasarawa in Zamfara State, where armed men ambushed a convoy of traders travelling to a local market. Around 20 people were killed, including 12 civilians, despite the presence of a military escort.
Nigeria is scheduled to hold presidential and legislative elections on January 16, 2027, followed by elections for state governors and assemblies in February.
The Nigerian Electoral Commission has provisionally estimated the number of registered voters at 103.4 million. Meanwhile, civil society organisations are preparing to monitor the electoral process through the Nigeria Election Data Observatory. The initiative plans to deploy 4,000 observers and provide an online platform to compare and verify election information.
As part of the Church's mobilisation, dioceses, parishes, ecclesial associations, families and individuals have been invited to participate in the three days of prayer and fasting. Activities will include Mass celebrations, the recitation of the rosary and a special prayer prepared by the Episcopal Conference. Processions will also be organised in areas where security conditions allow.
Father Banjo explained that the initiative responds to concerns about repeated electoral violence, manipulation, vote buying and divisions within society. He said prayer and fasting were intended to encourage personal responsibility, repentance and solidarity with people experiencing suffering.
He also stressed that peaceful elections required action from all sections of society. Electoral officials, security personnel and members of the judiciary were urged to remain impartial and resist political pressure.
Political candidates were encouraged to place the common good above personal ambitions, while voters were asked to reject inducements and violence.
Father Banjo emphasised that the Church was not supporting any political party or candidate but was concerned with the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
Beyond insecurity, Nigerians are also facing economic and political challenges, including rising living costs, widespread poverty and corruption. Concerns about restrictions on political dissent, weakened opposition parties and shrinking democratic space have further affected public confidence.
According to Father Banjo, previous electoral experiences and the actions of political leaders have left many citizens uncertain about whether the next elections will be free and fair. Public attitudes reflect a mixture of hope, frustration, apprehension and resignation.
Despite these difficulties, he said Nigerians continued to desire better governance and wanted their votes to genuinely influence the country's leadership.
The Catholic Church shares these hopes and is calling for elections that produce leaders freely chosen by the people and committed to justice, accountability and the common good.