Catholic Bishops urge Nigerians to reject vote-buying, vote-selling ahead of 2027

The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, has called on Nigerians to abstain from vote-buying and vote-selling as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Ndagoso, the Archbishop of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, made this appeal during the second plenary meeting of the CBCN, held in Osogbo, Osun State.

He expressed worry over the rising disenchantment among Nigerians, particularly regarding potential electoral manipulation and doubts about vote counts. Ndagoso appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible, warning that a lack of transparency could dissuade citizens from participating.

He also urged the issuance of voter cards to all eligible Nigerians, stating that easing registration and participation obstacles would ensure election results truly represent the electorate's choice. Ndagoso praised INEC for the free and fair conduct of the recent Osun State off-season election, hoping it signals better outcomes in the upcoming 2027 General Elections.

He encouraged Catholic lay faithful and other Nigerians to actively engage in the political process, urging them to reject vote-selling, political cronyism, and cynicism. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, present at the event, acknowledged the church's contributions to education, healthcare, human development, and peace-building.

He encouraged the church to continue praying for peaceful and successful 2027 elections, stating that electoral peace-building requires both civic responsibility and divine intervention.