Catholic Bishops Warn FG: Insecurity, electoral credibility imperil Nigeria’s democracy

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently end the country’s spiralling insecurity and ensure credible elections in 2027, cautioning that persistent bloodshed and declining voter participation pose grave risks to Nigeria’s democratic future.

The bishops’ position was delivered by CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, at the opening of the conference’s 2026 First Plenary Meeting in Abuja. The event also featured a keynote address by Dr. Mike Omeri and a homily during the opening Mass by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama.

Ugorji painted a bleak picture of the nation’s security landscape, referencing recurring kidnappings and mass killings across several states.

“Our country has continued to experience rising security challenges. We continue to hear sad tales of senseless massacres, mass burials, endless tears and grief. Nigeria continues to bleed endlessly,” he lamented.

He specifically condemned reported killings in the Woro and Nuku communities of Kwara State, accusing armed groups of exploiting weaknesses in the security system.

“In all, the gunmen operate boldly, freely and unchallenged… Yet, they are not arrested through their digital footprints,” he said.

While acknowledging measures taken by the administration of **President Bola Ahmed Tinubu**, including the declaration of a national security emergency, Ugorji said government responses remain largely reactive.

“To effectively tackle insecurity, government must go beyond declaring a national emergency on security and reactive interventions to invest more in modern technological equipment for surveillance,” he said.

He further warned that delays in prosecuting suspects or reintegrating former insurgents could damage public trust.

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“Delaying the prosecution of arrested terrorists or pardoning and reintegrating perceived repentant Boko Haram members through the Operation Safe Corridor gives the impression of complicity on the side of government,” he stated.

Turning to electoral matters, the CBCN expressed concern over falling voter turnout and urged urgent reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.

“This decline says a lot about citizens trust in the electoral process and calls into question the legitimacy of elected officials in a democratic dispensation,” Ugorji said.

He appealed to the National Assembly to revisit the amended Electoral Act and mandate real-time electronic transmission of results.

“This is the will of the people and has to be respected,” he added.

On the 2025 Tax Act, which took effect on January 1, 2026, the bishops acknowledged potential gains but warned of unintended consequences.

“When all is said and done, there are widespread fears that the reforms could raise the living cost for consumers, aggravate hardship and push more jobless youths into criminality,” Ugorji warned.

The bishops also identified illegal mining as a major contributor to insecurity and revenue losses.

“Criminal groups use proceeds from the sale of minerals, such as gold and lithium, to buy weapons and fund terrorist activities across the country,” he said.

Ugorji called for stricter enforcement and the deployment of drones and artificial intelligence to monitor remote mining sites.

In his keynote address, Omeri underscored the importance of service-oriented leadership.

“Leadership of purpose is courageous and does not seek power. Rather, it seeks to serve,” he said.

He added: “We need leaders who will bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, who will champion justice, equity, and compassion.”

Delivering the homily, Kaigama cautioned political and religious leaders against abusing authority and expressed hope for a more credible election cycle.

“We fervently hope that the 2027 elections will be different and every single vote… will count, and the genuine will of the people, respected,” he said.

He also warned against materialistic distortions of Christian teachings.

“Some so-called powerful men of God preach a distorted message that God will make people rich,” he said.

Earlier, Ugorji announced the Special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, describing it as a call to deeper spiritual renewal and peace.

He also revealed that he would step down as CBCN president at the conclusion of the plenary.

“I take advantage of this opportunity to thank you for the cooperation and support I received from you all during my tenure as your chief servant,” he said.

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