2027 elections: Catholic bishops declare nationwide prayers, fasting against electoral malpractices
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared nationwide prayers and fasting ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on Nigerians to seek divine intervention against electoral violence, vote-buying, rigging and other practices capable of undermining credible elections.
The bishops announced four dates for the spiritual exercise: October 31 and November 28, 2026, as well as December 8, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
The initiative, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” is inspired by the biblical passage in Amos 5:24 and aims to promote peaceful, free, fair and credible elections across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and its Secretary, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo, urged Catholic dioceses, parishes, religious societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate actively in the exercise.
According to the bishops, the spiritual initiative is intended to encourage electoral officials, security agencies, politicians and voters to uphold integrity, patriotism and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities during the electoral process.
They explained that October 31 and November 28, 2026, would be observed as nationwide parish days of prayer and fasting, featuring Holy Mass, recitation of the Rosary and religious processions.
December 8, which marks the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been designated as a diocesan day of prayer.
Activities for the day will begin with Holy Mass at 3 p.m., followed by a Rosary procession at 4:30 p.m. and Eucharistic Benediction.
The bishops also declared January 15, 2027, as another nationwide day of prayer and fasting as preparations for the general elections intensify.
They called on Nigerians to shun political violence, corruption, tribalism, bribery and voter apathy, stressing the need for citizens to make responsible choices at the polls.
The CBCN further urged the electorate to reject vote-buying, exercise their voting rights responsibly and protect their votes through lawful and peaceful means.
The bishops emphasised that national unity, justice and peaceful participation in the electoral process were essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
They expressed the hope that the spiritual exercise would inspire a renewed commitment to credible elections and encourage all stakeholders to place the nation’s interests above personal and political considerations.
The conference maintained that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy requires collective responsibility, urging citizens to support a peaceful electoral process free from violence and bloodshed.
