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| PRAYER FOR CREDIBLE AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA, 2027: A CALL TO NATIONAL CONSCIENCE, INTEGRITY AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP |
PRAYER FOR CREDIBLE AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA, 2027: A CALL TO NATIONAL CONSCIENCE, INTEGRITY AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP
An Editorial on the Message of the Catholic
Secretariat of Nigeria
As
Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the Catholic Secretariat of
Nigeria has presented a timely and thought-provoking prayer that calls on God
to guide the nation towards credible, peaceful, transparent and people-centred
elections.
The Press
Release, titled “National Prayer Programme for Peaceful and Credible 2027
General Elections in Nigeria, ,” is more than a religious publication. It
is a moral appeal to political leaders, electoral authorities, security
agencies, voters and all Nigerians to embrace integrity, justice, peace and
national unity as the country approaches another decisive moment in its
democratic journey.
The
prayer, which the Secretariat recommends for use during Masses, other prayer
gatherings, family devotions and personal prayers, recognises that the
credibility of an election is not determined by the voting process alone. It
also depends on the character of those seeking public office, the impartiality
of institutions responsible for conducting elections, the conduct of security
personnel, the vigilance of citizens and the willingness of everyone involved
to respect the legitimate choice of the electorate.
At its
heart, the message is a call for Nigeria to place the common good above
personal ambition, political interests, ethnic loyalties and the pursuit of
power at all costs.
THE FOUNDATION OF CREDIBLE ELECTIONS: JUSTICE AND
INTEGRITY
The
prayer opens by acknowledging God as the Lord of all nations and the fountain
of justice. This opening establishes the moral foundation of the entire
message: justice must remain central to Nigeria's democratic process.
By
lifting Nigeria before God in preparation for the 2027 General Elections, the
Catholic Secretariat acknowledges the country's need for divine guidance while
drawing attention to the human responsibilities that must accompany prayer.
The
prayer specifically asks God to grant wisdom and courage to the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, security agencies and all
other institutions responsible for overseeing the elections. It also calls for
these institutions to be freed from fear, compromise and greed.
This is a
significant part of the message because electoral credibility depends heavily
on institutional independence, professional competence, impartiality and
accountability.
An
electoral commission must be able to administer elections without improper
interference. The judiciary must dispense electoral justice without fear or
favour. Security agencies must protect voters and electoral personnel without
taking sides. Other officials involved in the process must perform their duties
in accordance with the law.
When
these responsibilities are discharged faithfully, public confidence in the
electoral process becomes stronger. When institutions are compromised, however,
the consequences can extend beyond disputed results to public distrust,
political instability and threats to national peace.
The prayer
therefore reminds those entrusted with public responsibilities that their
positions are not merely opportunities for personal advancement but obligations
to serve the Nigerian people.
A MESSAGE TO POLITICAL ASPIRANTS: POWER MUST BE
PURSUED WITH HONOUR
One of
the strongest aspects of the prayer is its appeal to Nigerians aspiring to
public office.
The
Catholic Secretariat asks God to touch their hearts and guide them in truth,
justice and love of country. It further calls on political aspirants to
campaign honestly, reject manipulation, incitement and violence, respect the
people's legitimate choice, and place national unity and progress above
personal ambition and selfish interests.
This
appeal addresses a persistent danger in democratic politics: the temptation to
treat political power as an entitlement rather than a responsibility entrusted
to elected representatives by the people.
An
election should be an opportunity for candidates to present their programmes,
explain their qualifications, demonstrate their capacity for leadership and
persuade citizens through credible arguments. It should not become a platform
for spreading falsehoods, intimidating opponents, exploiting ethnic or religious
differences, or mobilising supporters to engage in violence.
The
prayer's emphasis on honesty and respect for the people's choice also carries
an important implication for candidates who lose elections. Political ambition
should not become a justification for undermining the electoral process through
intimidation, reckless allegations or unlawful attempts to overturn legitimate
outcomes.
Equally,
those who win must understand that electoral victory is not a licence to govern
arrogantly or exclude those who voted against them. Democracy requires leaders
to serve the entire population, including political opponents and citizens who
did not support their candidacy.
Ultimately,
the quality of leadership Nigeria obtains in 2027 will depend partly on the values,
conduct and sense of responsibility demonstrated by those seeking elective
offices.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ELECTORATE: REJECT
TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION AND APATHY
The
prayer does not place the entire burden of credible elections on politicians
and public institutions. It also challenges ordinary Nigerians to examine their
own attitudes and responsibilities.
In asking
God to renew the nation's sense of civic responsibility, the Catholic
Secretariat calls on citizens to reject tribalism, corruption, bribery and
apathy.
This is a
particularly important message in a country as ethnically, culturally and
religiously diverse as Nigeria.
Democratic
choices should be guided by the competence, character, policies and
demonstrated commitment of candidates to the welfare of the people. Ethnic
identity, religious affiliation, regional origin or personal relationships
should not automatically take precedence over these considerations.
The
reference to bribery is equally significant. Vote buying and selling undermine
the freedom of the electorate and can reduce an election to a transaction in
which immediate financial benefits take precedence over long-term public
welfare.
A voter who accepts money in exchange for a ballot may receive a temporary benefit, but the consequences of electing an unsuitable leader can affect an entire community for years.
