Catholic Bishops Urge Action on Insecurity, Credible Elections at Abuja Plenary
Abuja, Nigeria - February 25, 2026
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and ensure credible elections in 2027. The appeal came during a media briefing held after the closing Mass of the Conference’s first plenary of 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja.
Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna was announced as the new President of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri. The bishops expressed gratitude for Archbishop Ugorji’s leadership and pledged support to Archbishop Ndagoso as he assumes the mantle of guiding the Church’s collective voice in national affairs.
The plenary, themed “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” provided a platform for reflection on governance, justice, and the moral responsibilities of leaders. In their communiqué, the bishops lamented the “endless bleeding” of the nation due to kidnappings, killings, and violence, warning that unchecked insecurity threatens both lives and democracy.
They emphasized that electoral integrity is indispensable for national stability, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders to guarantee transparency and fairness in the 2027 polls. “Democracy cannot thrive where elections are manipulated or citizens live in fear,” the bishops declared.
The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, was noted as a sign of solidarity from the universal Church. The bishops reaffirmed their communion with the Holy Father and pledged to continue guiding the faithful with hope, resilience, and unity.
In closing, the bishops issued a moral charge to Nigeria’s leaders, insisting that governance must be rooted in courage, honesty, and service to the common good. They urged citizens to remain steadfast in faith and committed to building a just and peaceful society.
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