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• Fix Oct 31, Nov 28, Dec 8, Jan 15 for spiritual exercise
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared nationwide prayers and fasting ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing concern over electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying and ethno-religious divisions that could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the polls.
The bishops, who called on Nigerians to reject corruption, tribalism, bribery and political apathy, said the spiritual exercise was intended to promote free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, while encouraging citizens to exercise their voting rights responsibly.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and jointly signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and Secretary, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo, the bishops announced that the programme, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” was drawn from Amos 5:24.
They urged dioceses, parishes, church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals across the country to participate actively in the exercise, stressing the need for divine guidance as the nation prepared for another round of general elections.
According to the bishops, the programme would seek God’s intervention to enable electoral officials and security personnel to discharge their responsibilities faithfully, while encouraging political actors and voters to reject electoral malpractice, violence and other actions capable of threatening national peace.
They said the initiative was also designed to inspire Nigerians to vote conscientiously, make responsible electoral choices and protect their votes without rancour or bloodshed.
Under the programme, all Catholic parishes nationwide are expected to observe October 31 and November 28 as days of prayer and fasting for Nigeria.
The exercises will feature fasting, recitation of the Rosary, processions, celebration of Holy Mass and the CBCN prayer for the 2027 elections.
The bishops also designated December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as a nationwide diocesan day of prayer.
They explained that the celebration would begin with Holy Mass at 3 p.m., presided over by the diocesan bishop, during which a pastoral letter titled “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action” would be read.
The Mass would be followed by a Rosary procession to the cathedral at 4:30 p.m. and conclude with Eucharistic Benediction.
The CBCN further declared January 15, 2027, the eve of the presidential and National Assembly elections, as a nationwide parish day of prayer and fasting.
The bishops urged Nigerians to place national unity, justice and peaceful coexistence above sectional and partisan considerations, insisting that the electoral process should be conducted without intimidation, violence or bloodshed.
They called on citizens to resist vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement, participate conscientiously in the democratic process and uphold the principles of credible elections.
The bishops maintained that peaceful participation, responsible choices and respect for the electoral process were essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 polls.
