Nigerian Bishops Call Prayer and Fasting Before Vote
Ahead of January 2027 polls, they seek integrity amid violence, poverty, and democratic strain—and stress the Church backs no party.
On October 31, 2026, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria called the faithful to three days of prayer and fasting — October 31, November 28, and January 15, 2027 — for free, fair, and peaceful national elections.
The initiative takes its theme from the prophet Amos: “Let justice and peace flow.” Dioceses, parishes, associations, families, and individuals are invited to celebrate Masses, recite the Rosary, and pray a text prepared by the bishops. Processions may be held where security conditions allow.
Pastoral Concern Amid Violence
Fr. Michael Banjo, secretary general of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, said the call arises from the bishops’ pastoral worry over recurring electoral violence, manipulation, vote-buying, and deep social divisions. Fasting, he noted, “deepens repentance, strengthens self-discipline and expresses solidarity with those who suffer.”
The bishops urge electoral officials, security forces, and the judiciary to act impartially and resist improper pressure. Candidates are asked to place the common good above personal ambition. “The Church is not seeking the victory of any party or candidate. Our concern is electoral integrity,” Fr. Banjo stressed.
The appeal comes against a backdrop of severe insecurity. On October 10, an ambush in Zamfara State killed about twenty people, twelve of them civilians. On October 17, a mine blast struck a military convoy at Gamboru on the Cameroon border, killing ten soldiers and five auxiliary militiamen. On October 23, armed men attacked Binnari in Taraba State, leaving 62 dead and 52 wounded; several victims drowned while fleeing across a river.
Elections and a Fragile Public Mood
Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027; governors and state assemblies follow on February 6, 2027. A provisional roll lists some 103.4 million registered voters.
Fr. Banjo also pointed to the high cost of living, widespread poverty, corruption, “the criminalization of dissent, the weakening of opposition parties and the contraction of democratic space.” Public feeling, he said, mixes “hope, resignation, apprehension, frustration and cautious expectation.” He concluded: “The Church shares the hopes of Nigerians, although the conduct of some current politicians is a cause of serious concern.”
By grounding the campaign in Scripture, the sacraments, and fasting, the bishops place the coming vote under the light of justice and peace that the Church has long defended as essential to authentic political life.