Catholic Bishops Declare Nationwide Fasting, Prayer Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Catholic Bishops Declare Nationwide Fasting, Prayer Ahead of 2027 Elections The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria CBCN has declared a nationwide programme of prayer and fasting to seek free, fair, credible and peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” is drawn from Amos 5:24 and is intended to address concerns over electoral violence, vote-buying, rigging and ethnic and religious divisions in the country. The bishops announced the programme in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday and signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and its Secretary, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo. They called on dioceses, parishes, church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals across Nigeria to participate actively in the spiritual exercise. According to the bishops, the programme is aimed at seeking divine guidance for electoral officials, security agencies, political aspirants and voters to ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the genuine wishes of Nigerians. They also urged citizens to reject electoral malpractice, corruption and violence while promoting justice, peace and national unity. The CBCN announced four major dates for the nationwide spiritual exercise between October 2026 and January 2027. The first nationwide parish day of prayer and fasting will take place on October 31, 2026, followed by another on November 28, 2026. The programme will include fasting, recitation of the Rosary, Rosary processions, Holy Mass and the recitation of the CBCN prayer for the 2027 general elections. The bishops said the faithful could fast until noon, 6 p.m. or any suitable time in between, depending on their health and circumstances. Those unable to fast were encouraged to participate through prayers and other acts of sacrifice. The church leaders stressed that the exercise was intended to encourage spiritual reflection and strengthen Nigerians’ commitment to peaceful democratic participation. The bishops also designated December 8, 2026, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as a nationwide diocesan day of prayer. According to the statement, Holy Mass will begin at 3 p.m. and be presided over by the diocesan bishop or an authorised representative. During the celebration, a pastoral letter titled “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action” will be read to the faithful. The Mass will be followed by a Rosary procession scheduled for 4:30 p.m., proceeding to the cathedral, where the celebration will conclude with Eucharistic Benediction. The CBCN said the special diocesan observance would provide an opportunity for Catholics to pray for the country’s political leadership, electoral institutions and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections. The bishops further declared January 15, 2027, as a nationwide parish day of prayer and fasting ahead of the general elections. The exercise is intended to encourage voters to make responsible choices, participate actively in the electoral process and protect their votes peacefully. The church leaders called on Nigerians to place the interests of the country above ethnic, religious and partisan considerations.They also urged political parties and candidates to avoid actions capable of provoking violence, undermining electoral credibility or threatening national stability. The CBCN identified electoral violence, manipulation of results, vote-buying and ethno-religious divisions as persistent challenges threatening Nigeria’s democratic process. The bishops urged electoral officials and security personnel to discharge their duties with integrity, free from fear, greed and political interference. They called on political aspirants to reject manipulation, intimidation and violence, while encouraging voters to resist bribery and other forms of electoral inducement.The statement also emphasised the need to address voter apathy by encouraging eligible Nigerians to exercise their voting rights conscientiously. The bishops maintained that credible elections require the collective commitment of government institutions, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the electorate. They expressed hope that the nationwide prayer and fasting programme would inspire responsible civic participation and help ensure elections free from rancour and bloodshed. The initiative comes as political parties and electoral stakeholders prepare for the 2027 general elections amid continuing debates over electoral reforms, security and public confidence in the democratic process. The Catholic bishops said Nigerians must work together to protect democracy, promote justice and ensure that the outcome of the elections reflects the genuine will of the electorate. They urged the faithful and the wider public to support efforts aimed at securing peaceful elections and producing leaders committed to the welfare of all Nigerians. The CBCN reiterated that prayer must go hand in hand with responsible action, urging citizens to reject corruption, tribalism and political violence while upholding peace and the common good.