2027 Elections: Catholic Bishops Declare Nationwide Prayer, Fasting Against Vote-Buying, Violence

2027 Elections: Catholic Bishops Declare Nationwide Prayer, Fasting Against Vote-Buying, Violence

Princess-Ekwi Ajide

As Nigerians prepare to elect their next leaders in 2027, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for nationwide prayer and fasting to confront electoral violence, vote-buying, rigging and ethnic and religious divisions threatening the credibility of the polls.

The bishops have scheduled four days of prayer activities between October 2026 and January 2027, urging Catholics across the country to pray for peaceful elections, responsible voting and leaders committed to justice, integrity and national unity.

The programme, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow” (Amos 5:24), will begin with a nationwide parish day of prayer and fasting on Saturday, 31 October 2026.

In a directive dated 19 October 2026, the Catholic bishops called on dioceses, parishes, Church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate actively in the spiritual exercise.

They said the initiative was necessary as Nigeria faced persistent challenges of electoral malpractice, violence and divisions capable of undermining the people’s will.

The bishops urged Nigerians to seek divine intervention for electoral officials, security agencies, political aspirants and voters, stressing the need for elections that reflect the genuine wishes of the electorate.

Under the programme, Saturday, 28 November 2026, has also been designated as a nationwide parish day of prayer and fasting.

A nationwide diocesan day of prayer will follow on Tuesday, 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The diocesan celebration will begin with Holy Mass at 3pm in a designated church, presided over by the diocesan bishop or his delegate. The CBCN’s forthcoming pastoral letter, titled “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action”, will be read during the Mass.

A Rosary procession will commence at 4.30pm and proceed to the cathedral, where the celebration will end with Eucharistic Benediction.

Diocesan communications directorates are expected to coordinate live coverage of the celebrations in collaboration with the Directorate of Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria to ensure nationwide visibility.

The final prayer and fasting exercise is scheduled for Friday, 15 January 2027, on the eve of the elections.

The bishops said participants could fast until noon, 6pm or any suitable time in between, depending on their health and circumstances.

Those unable to fast were encouraged to offer prayers and other acts of sacrifice, while diocesan bishops could adapt the programme to local conditions.

In a prayer prepared for use during Masses, prayer gatherings and personal devotions, the CBCN called on God to grant wisdom and courage to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, security agencies and other institutions overseeing the elections.

The prayer specifically asks electoral officials to resist fear, compromise and greed, uphold the rule of law and act in the interest of the common good.

Political aspirants are also urged to campaign honestly, reject manipulation and violence, respect the legitimate choices of voters and place Nigeria’s unity above personal ambition.

The bishops further called on citizens to reject tribalism, corruption, bribery and voter apathy, while encouraging them to vote, protect their votes and defend what is right without violence or bloodshed.

“Let the 2027 elections be a moment of hope, not harm,” the prayer states, asking for a process that is credible, transparent and peaceful.

The prayer also seeks leaders who will pursue justice, secure peace and improve the welfare of Nigerians, particularly the poor and forgotten.

The document was signed by the President of the CBCN, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and the Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese.

The bishops expressed hope that the combined force of prayer and responsible civic participation would help Nigeria conduct elections that strengthen democracy, promote good governance and preserve national unity.