2027: Choose competence over religion, Catholic Secretariat Urges Nigerians
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious considerations when voting in the 2027 general elections, saying the country’s future depends on electing leaders with integrity, competence and commitment to the common good. Briefing newsmen on Friday at the close of the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the CSN’s […]
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious considerations when voting in the 2027 general elections, saying the country’s future depends on electing leaders with integrity, competence and commitment to the common good.
Briefing newsmen on Friday at the close of the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the CSN’s Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) in Abuja, the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, said voters should focus on a candidate’s capacity to serve rather than where the person comes from or the religion he or she professes.
“We should avoid politics of ethnicity or religion, looking at where a candidate comes from or what religion he practises,” Banjo said.
He questioned the logic of supporting candidates solely because they share one’s faith, stressing that such considerations do not guarantee good governance.
“What if a candidate is a Christian and he is unable to deliver, and then you want to vote for him just because he is a Christian?” he asked.
Banjo said Nigerians should instead seek leaders who are capable, honest and committed to serving the people.
“What we want is someone who is able to serve the common good and move this country forward; someone who truly believes that leadership is service, not self-serving; someone who wants to serve and achieve the common good of all Nigerians.
“We want Nigerians to look out for those qualities and vote for such candidates,” he said.
‘Rebuild trust before 2027 poll’
Meanwhile, the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria raised concerns over what it described as the growing erosion of public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that the country risks weakening its democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement issued at the end of its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Abuja, the commission said the greatest threat to democracy is no longer limited to election-day malpractice but the widespread belief among citizens that their votes no longer count and public institutions cannot be trusted.
The statement, signed by Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo and the Secretariat’s Director of Church and Society, Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, urged Nigerians not to withdraw from the democratic process, stressing that political apathy only worsens poor governance.
It called on eligible citizens to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in the electoral process.
The commission also unveiled a five-point framework to restore public trust before the 2027 elections.
The proposals include encouraging greater voter participation, ensuring speedy resolution of election petitions, strengthening electoral integrity and accountability, expanding grassroots civic education and peacebuilding, and sustaining pastoral and moral guidance for citizens.
The JDPC urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain transparent and strictly comply with the Electoral Act, while calling on the judiciary to resolve electoral disputes fairly and promptly.
It also appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and professional during elections and urged political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns free of violence, intimidation and manipulation.
The commission further called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying, participate peacefully and hold elected leaders accountable before, during and after elections.