Catholic Bishops Go Spiritual Over 2027 Elections

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has announced a nationwide prayer and fasting programme for peaceful, free, fair and credible 2027 general elections.

The programme, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow” (Amos 5:24), is aimed at mobilising Catholics across the country to pray against electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying and ethnic and religious divisions ahead of the elections.

In a statement signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, the CBCN called on dioceses, parishes, Church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate actively in the programme.

The bishops said the prayer campaign would seek God’s guidance for electoral officials and security agencies, while urging citizens to vote conscientiously and peacefully and supporting the emergence of leaders committed to integrity, wisdom and the common good.

The first nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The programme will include fasting, the Rosary, Holy Mass and the recitation of the CBCN Prayer for the 2027 General Elections.

A second nationwide parish prayer and fasting will take place on Saturday, November 28, while Tuesday, December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been designated as a Nationwide Diocesan Day of Prayer.

The December 8 programme will bring together priests, members of religious institutes, the laity and various Church associations and organisations.

According to the programme, Holy Mass will begin at 3pm at designated churches and will be presided over by diocesan bishops or their delegates.

The CBCN’s forthcoming pastoral letter, “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action,” will also be read during the Mass, followed by a Rosary procession to the cathedral, where the celebration will end with Eucharistic Benediction.

The bishops further directed diocesan communications directorates to coordinate live coverage of the celebrations with the Directorate of Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria to give the initiative nationwide visibility.

Another nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting has been scheduled for Friday, January 15, 2027, the eve of the elections.

In the prayer for the elections, the bishops urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), judiciary, security agencies and other election officials to uphold integrity and the rule of law.

They also called on politicians to reject manipulation, inducement and violence, respect the legitimate choice of voters and place national unity and progress above personal ambition.

The bishops urged Nigerians to reject tribalism, corruption, bribery and political apathy, while encouraging citizens to vote, protect their votes and defend democratic values without resorting to violence.

The CBCN said it was praying for elections that would be credible in process, transparent in conduct, and peaceful in outcome.