Catholic Bishops in Nigeria Declare Nationwide Prayers and Fasting Ahead of 2027 Elections to Combat Electoral Malpractices

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for nationwide prayers and fasting ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to seek divine guidance against electoral malpractices such as violence, vote-buying, and rigging. The initiative, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” is rooted in the biblical call to pursue justice and integrity, as found in Amos 5:24.

The bishops announced four key dates for the spiritual exercise: October 31 and November 28, 2026, as well as December 8 and January 15, 2027. These days will involve communal prayer, fasting, and religious observances across dioceses and parishes. The CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and Secretary, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo, encouraged all Catholic communities to participate actively in these efforts.

The spiritual initiative aims to inspire electoral officials, security agencies, politicians, and voters to uphold integrity and accountability during the electoral process. October 31 and November 28 will be observed as nationwide parish days of prayer and fasting, featuring Holy Mass, the Rosary, and religious processions. December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, will be a diocesan day of prayer, beginning with Mass and concluding with a Rosary procession and Eucharistic Benediction.

January 15, 2027, will mark another nationwide day of prayer and fasting as the country prepares for the elections. The bishops called on citizens to reject political violence, corruption, tribalism, bribery, and voter apathy, urging them to make responsible choices at the polls. They emphasized the importance of protecting votes through lawful and peaceful means.

The CBCN urged the electorate to shun unethical practices and to prioritize national unity, justice, and peaceful participation in the electoral process. They expressed hope that the spiritual exercise would foster a renewed commitment to credible elections and encourage all stakeholders to place the nation’s interests above personal or political gains.

The bishops maintained that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy requires collective responsibility, urging citizens to support a peaceful electoral process free from violence and bloodshed. Their message underscores the need for integrity, accountability, and the protection of democratic values.

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