2027 Election: Catholic Bishops Declare National Prayer For Peaceful Poll

In the lead-up to Nigeria's 2027 general election, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has initiated a nationwide prayer campaign aimed at ensuring a free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral process. Titled "Let Justice and Peace Flow" (Amos 5:24), the prayer program is scheduled to commence in October 2026 and extend until January 2027, with participation from dioceses, parishes, Church societies, prayer groups, families, and individuals.

The CBCN's statement, signed by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna and Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, underscores the urgent need to address the recurring issues of electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying, and ethnic divisions. They urge the faithful to intensify their prayers for a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.

Key dates for the prayer campaign include:

- Saturday, October 31, 2026, and Saturday, November 28, 2026: Nationwide Parish Days of Prayer and Fasting, featuring fasting, Rosary procession, Holy Mass, and a dedicated CBCN election prayer. Participants may choose to fast until noon or 6pm, based on their health.

- Tuesday, December 8, 2026: Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, a Nationwide Diocesan Day of Prayer. All dioceses will hold a 3pm Mass presided by the Bishop, followed by a 4.30pm Rosary procession to the Cathedral and Benediction.

- Friday, January 15, 2027: The final Nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting, occurring on the eve of the elections.

The bishops' final prayer, released alongside the campaign details, beseeches God to free electoral officials from fear and greed, guide candidates away from manipulation and violence, and renew citizens' civic responsibility to reject tribalism, corruption, and vote-buying. The collective focus is on promoting unity, integrity, and a peaceful electoral process.