Nigerian Catholic Church Ramps Up Mobilization Ahead of 2027 General Elections

Abuja, 25 July, 2025 / 3:07 PM

As Nigeria begins preparations for its 2027 general elections, Catholic officials in the West African nation have called on citizens to take an active role in safeguarding electoral integrity, expressing deep concern over voter apathy, electoral manipulation, and the lingering disappointment from the 2023 polls.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the July 22-25 Annual General Meeting of Nigeria’s  Justice Development and Peace Commissions (JDPC), Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, Secretary of the JDPC and Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria reflected on the failures of the 2023 general elections.

“It’s a bit difficult to start talking about 2023 now because our minds are already focused on 2027. But looking back is important,” Fr. Audu told ACI Africa on Wednesday, July 23, at the ongoing meeting under the theme “Toward 2027 General Elections: The Imperatives of Mandate Protection and Sustainable Development.”

He expressed disappointment in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, describing the last elections as a case of “shifting the goalpost in the middle of a match.”

“There were promises about using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) technology and real-time result transmission, but in the end, we were told it could also be done manually. That was never clearly stated earlier. That was not acceptable,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said.

According to Fr. Audu, such inconsistencies not only undermined public trust but also discouraged voter participation. 

“Many people felt disenfranchised, not because they were not willing, but because the system made them feel their votes wouldn't count. We must restore that confidence,” he said. 

As Nigeria prepares for the next electoral cycle, the Nigerian Catholic official outlined the Church’s role in voter education, capacity building, and advocacy through the JDPC structures spread across 60 dioceses nationwide.

“The Church can only take the lead to guide and mobilize, but Nigerians must be ready to protect their mandate. The time is gone when people manipulate figures or steal votes,” he said.

Fr. Audu emphasized that elections should be settled at the polling units, not in courtrooms, saying, “People say go to court. But the court should not always be the final arbiter. The ballot should be. The polling unit is where elections must be won or lost.”

He warned that relying excessively on litigation undermines the credibility of the process.

“Litigations are always high in Nigeria. That’s not healthy. Why not resolve all court issues before swearing in candidates? Once someone assumes office, the focus should be governance, not legal battles,” the JDPC official said.

Turning to the issue of voter turnout, Fr. Audu lamented the recurring problem of invalid votes due to poor voter education. 

“We need to educate people on how to vote properly. Every voided vote is a wasted voice. We can’t afford that anymore,” he said.

Fr. Audu also called on young people and first-time voters to get involved, saying, “Let’s encourage the newcomers to register and participate. Democracy is meaningless if the majority remain spectators.”

Fr. Audu further appealed to all Nigerians to see the 2027 election as an opportunity for national renewal. 

“Let’s not repeat 2023. Let’s protect our votes, educate our people, and demand accountability. Nigeria can be better. But it starts with us,” he said.

In another interview with ACI Africa during the same event, the Secretary General of the  Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Fr. Michael Banjo, said, “In Nigeria, our democracy has suffered too much betrayal. As agents of conscience, we must ensure that people’s votes are protected and that elections lead to real, tangible development.”  

“Every vote cast by a Nigerian citizen is a piece of their dignity and a stake in the nation’s future. To protect that vote is to honour their human dignity,” Fr. Banjo said.

Fr. Banjo laid out a five-point strategy for the JDPC as it prepares for the next election cycle. 

The priority, he said, is voter education. 

“We need to intensify grassroots voter education, especially among rural communities, women, young people, and first-time voters. Parishes, marketplaces, radio programs, and town meetings must become platforms for civic enlightenment,” Fr. Banjo said.

He underscored the need to train and deploy competent election observers, who will monitor not just polling stations, but also technology deployment and collation processes. 

“Their presence and vigilance can make a real difference,” the CSN Secretary General said.

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Fr. Banjo called on the JDPC to sustain pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and legislators to uphold reforms that include real-time result transmission and campaign finance transparency.

 “The JDPC must monitor the pre-election environment, identify early warning signs of violence or manipulation, and follow up on judicial processes where results are contested,” he said.

Fr. Banjo added, “Through homilies, press statements, and public engagements, the Church must form consciences and challenge all Nigerians to pursue the common good and electoral integrity—without being partisan.”

Fr. Banjo further noted that a successful election is only meaningful if it leads to concrete development outcomes. 

“A credible election is not an end in itself. What is the point of an election if it doesn’t translate into justice, jobs, healthcare, security, and improved livelihoods?” he posed.