By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to guarantee a free, fair, transparent and credible process in the 2027 general elections, cautioning that a failure to do so would undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
The CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, gave the charge on Sunday, 13 September, 2026 in Osogbo, Osun State, while delivering his address at the opening session of the conference’s second plenary meeting, hosted by the Osogbo Catholic Diocese.
Ndagoso, who is also the Archbishop of the Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, raised concern over growing disenchantment among Nigerians, particularly fears of possible manipulation of the electoral process and doubts over whether votes would count.
“Anything short of transparent, free, fair and credible elections in 2027 would be a serious disservice to our country,” he said, warning that distrust in the process could discourage citizens from voting.
He called for voters’ cards to be made easily available to all eligible Nigerians, arguing that removing obstacles to voter registration and participation would ensure election results reflected the genuine choice of the electorate.
He added that a credible electoral process would restore public confidence and place Nigeria on the path of international respect and integrity.
Ndagoso further urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and vote-selling ahead of the polls, extending the call to Catholic lay faithful and other citizens to resist political cronyism and cynicism.
“We call upon and encourage our lay faithful and indeed all people of goodwill to reject vote-selling and buying, and resist the temptation of political cronyism and cynicism,” he said.
He commended INEC for the conduct of the recent Osun State off-season election, describing it as one adjudged free and fair by observers and analysts, and expressed hope that it was a sign of better things to come in 2027.
“What happened in Osun elections has given a glimmer of hope and confidence to many Nigerians. We hope it is a good sign of better things to come in the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
Responding on behalf of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewusi, acknowledged the Catholic Church’s contributions to Nigeria’s education, healthcare, human development and peace-building efforts.
Adewusi urged the church to intensify prayers for peaceful and successful 2027 general elections, noting that electoral peace-building would require both civic responsibility and divine intervention.
