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.
Communiqué of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria After the First
Plenary of 2026
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), having gathered in
plenary at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja, from 21–25 February 2026,
issues the following communiqué after its closing Mass and media
briefing:
Leadership Transition
The Conference announces the election of Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna as President of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri. The bishops express gratitude for Archbishop Ugorji’s service and pledge support to Archbishop Ndagoso in his new role.
Theme of the Plenary
The plenary was held under the theme “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria.” The bishops reflected deeply on the moral responsibilities of leaders, the pursuit of justice, and the need for governance rooted in service and integrity.
Press Briefing After the Closing Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) concluded its first plenary of 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja, with a solemn closing Mass followed by a media press briefing that captured the essence of the bishops’ deliberations and resolutions.
The briefing opened with the announcement of Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna as the newly elected President of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, whose tenure ended at the plenary.
The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary
The closing Mass of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja was not only a liturgical climax but also the moment when the bishops’ collective voice was crystallized into a communiqué.
This document, issued at the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, captured the essence of their deliberations and set forth a roadmap for the Church’s engagement with Nigeria’s pressing realities.
A Sacred Culmination at Durumi
Yesterday, the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, Abuja, became the spiritual epicenter of Nigeria’s Catholic community as the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for 2026 drew to a close with a solemn Mass.
The week-long gathering, themed “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” was not merely an ecclesiastical formality but a profound reflection on the Church’s prophetic role in guiding a nation at a crossroads.
Archbishop Ndagoso and the New Era of Catholic Leadership in Nigeria
The
election of Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso as the new president of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) marks a significant turning
point in the life of the Church in Nigeria.
His rise to this position is not merely a matter of succession; it is a story of resilience, faith, and the enduring relevance of the Catholic Church in a nation grappling with social, political, and spiritual challenges.
The Story of Archbishop Ndagoso’s Election as CBCN President
In the
heart of Abuja, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, a new chapter unfolded
for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The bishops gathered
for their first plenary assembly of 2026, and from their deliberations emerged
a new leader: Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna.
He was elected as the new president of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, whose four-year tenure had come to an end.
Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu As Acting Inspector-General of Police
In the
unfolding narrative of Nigeria’s security leadership, a new chapter was written
on February 24, 2026 as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally accepted the
resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down
citing pressing family considerations.
His departure marked the end of a tenure that began in June 2023 and was originally slated to run until 2027. Tinubu, in his statement, expressed deep gratitude for Egbetokun’s decades of service, praising his professionalism and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
AGF Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Mike Ozekhome
On February 24, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) formally withdrew the criminal charges filed against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome.
The charges, which revolved around allegations of forgery, had been initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This development marks a significant turn in a case that had attracted considerable public and legal attention.
ADC Records Zero Victory as APC, PDP Share Spoils in FCT
The
recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections have
underscored the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s
capital, with the party securing five out of six chairmanship seats.
The
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to clinch only one seat, while the
African Democratic Congress (ADC) failed to secure any victories, highlighting
its diminishing influence in the region.
According to official figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC candidates emerged victorious in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils.
Akume’s Call for Faith-Government Synergy
At the
first plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) 2026,
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reaffirmed
the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the
Catholic Church.
His message was not merely ceremonial; it was a deliberate appeal to strengthen the moral and institutional partnership between state and faith in pursuit of national stability and development.
The Themes Shaping the 2026 CBCN Plenary
The Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja has set the stage for a week of intense reflection
and dialogue.
Beyond the liturgical solemnity, the bishops have signaled the issues that will dominate their deliberations, and these themes reveal both the pastoral concerns of the Church and the pressing realities of Nigerian society.
Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) formally commenced its First Plenary of 2026 today, Sunday, February 22, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Durumi, Abuja.
The event began with the solemn Opening Mass, a liturgical celebration that set the spiritual tone for the week-long deliberations of the bishops.
CBCN Resolutions Versus Nigeria’s Political Realities
The First 2026 Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria was a moment of moral clarity, but its resolutions now stand in stark contrast to the political realities of the nation.
The bishops’ call for integrity in leadership was unequivocal, urging those in power to abandon corruption and self-interest. Yet Nigeria’s political climate continues to be marred by allegations of graft, patronage, and a lack of transparency.
The bishops’ vision of governance as service remains aspirational, while the lived reality often reflects entrenched systems of privilege and exploitation.
The First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in 2026 was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a moral intervention at a time of national uncertainty.
Meeting in Abuja under the theme “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” the bishops issued a communiqué that blended pastoral concern with civic urgency. Their resolutions spoke directly to the conscience of both the Church and the nation.
At the heart of their message was a call for integrity in leadership. The bishops insisted that Nigeria’s political class must abandon corruption, nepotism, and self-interest, replacing them with service, accountability, and a genuine pursuit of the common good.
Special Report: The First 2026 CBCN Plenary
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) convened its first plenary assembly of 2026 in Abuja, marking a significant moment of reflection and pastoral direction for the Church and the nation.
The gathering opened with a solemn Mass at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, on the First Sunday of Lent. Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama of the Abuja Archdiocese delivered the homily, urging Christians and national leaders alike to resist the allure of worldly pleasures and instead embrace integrity, service, and spiritual renewal.
Dangote Refinery and NNPCL - A Partnership to Make Nigerians Proud
In a
moment of optimism for Nigeria’s energy future, Aliko Dangote, President of the
Dangote Group, has reaffirmed his company’s commitment to working hand in hand
with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
During a tour of the Dangote Refinery by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, Dangote emphasized that both organizations share a common mission: advancing Nigeria’s industrial and energy capacity. His words, “I think the sky is the limit… we will cooperate and also make sure that we work together to make sure that we make Nigerians proud,” capture the spirit of collaboration that could redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.
Wike’s Peaceful Polls and the Persistent Challenge of Voter Turnout
The
recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections have
been described by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, as peaceful.
His
assessment, delivered after monitoring polling units across Abuja, paints a
picture of an orderly exercise unmarred by violence or ballot snatching.
Yet beneath this calm lies a deeper issue that continues to plague Nigeria’s democratic process: voter apathy in urban centres.
The First 2025 CBCN Plenary: An Editorial Reflection
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) convened its first plenary of 2025 at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, from March 8 to 14.
The gathering was framed under the theme “The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria”, a deliberate invocation of renewal and resilience in a nation grappling with political, economic, and social turbulence.
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The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria: A Voice of Unity and Faith
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) stands as the collective body of Catholic bishops across the nation, representing more than thirty million faithful spread throughout Nigeria’s thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Established formally in 1977, the CBCN embodies the collegial spirit of the episcopacy, serving as a forum where bishops, archbishops, and cardinals unite in communion with the Pope to guide the Church in Nigeria. It is both a spiritual and organizational anchor, ensuring that the Catholic Church speaks with one voice on matters of faith, morality, and national life.
Abuja’s Area Council Elections: A Catalyst for National Electoral Reform
The Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council elections have long served as more than a local democratic exercise, they have become a proving ground for Nigeria’s broader electoral ambitions.
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Abuja’s unique status has meant that its local elections are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unlike other states where local government elections fall under state electoral commissions. This distinction has positioned the FCT polls as a benchmark for electoral integrity and innovation.
FCT Residents Head to Polls for Area Council Elections
The
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a significant democratic exercise on
Saturday, February 21, 2026, as residents turned out to elect chairmen and
councillors for the six Area Councils.
Unlike the 36 states of Nigeria where such polls are referred to as local government elections, the FCT uniquely designates them as Area Council elections.
These councils, Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, serve as the closest elected bodies to the people, directly responsible for essential services such as water, sanitation, local roads, schools, and healthcare.
Civil Society Advocacy and INEC’s Public Engagement: Lessons from Abuja’s Area Council Elections
The Area Council elections in Abuja have not only shaped local governance but have also become a focal point for civil society advocacy aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Over the years, organizations such as the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Centre LSD, and others under the Nigeria SCALE project have leveraged these elections to push for greater transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
How Past Area Council Elections in Abuja Have Influenced National Debates on Electoral Reforms
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections have long served as a crucible for testing Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
Unlike other local government elections conducted by state electoral commissions, Abuja’s polls are administered directly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making them a unique benchmark for national standards.
Over the years, these elections have not only shaped local governance but have also sparked broader conversations about electoral reforms across the country.
FCT Area Council Poll: Re-Examining Antecedents of Election Process in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections stand apart in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Unlike the 36 states that conduct local government polls through their respective state electoral commissions, Abuja’s unique status as the nation’s capital means that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directly oversees its Area Council elections.
This arrangement not only elevates the stakes of what might otherwise be considered municipal contests but also underscores the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
