Bishop says Nigerians ‘must not be disappointed’ by 2027 elections

The Anglican primate Archbishop Henry Ndukuba and the former president Goodluck Jonathan also warned against political manoeuvres ahead of the elections in remarks at the synod of the Diocese of Abuja last week.

Church leaders challenged Nigerians to ensure that the 2027 general elections are not marred by toxic politics.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) urged citizens to avoid rancour and admonished journalists to uphold professionalism and integrity while reporting on the conduct of the elections.

Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa of Katsina, chairman of the CBCN Commission on Social Communications, made the call on 17 May during the formal celebration of World Communications Day in the capital Abuja.

He said Nigerians place great expectations on the 2027 elections and must not be disappointed. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that its officials are guided by the fear of God and their consciences.

Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, the primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), and the former president Goodluck Jonathan warned against political manoeuvres ahead of the elections in remarks at the synod of the Diocese of Abuja last week.

The primate called for moral and national rebirth, noting that Nigeria’s challenges require sincerity, justice, accountability and the fear of God. He urged politicians to speak the truth and avoid actions and statements capable of causing division and disharmony.

He expressed concern over hardship, unemployment, insecurity, corruption, drug abuse, cultism and moral decline, urging the Church, government, families and communities to work together for national restoration.

Jonathan encouraged Nigerians to pray that political leaders receive divine guidance. He also urged citizens to encourage one another and work collectively for peace, justice, and national development. He said Nigeria would only attain greatness when citizens speak the truth, even in difficult times.

“Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another and work collectively for peace, justice and national renewal,” Jonathan said.

The former president condemned the killings recorded in different parts of the country amid worsening insecurity and urged Christian leaders to continue speaking against violence.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities,” he said.

“In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation. Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so.”

Jonathan also called on Church leaders to serve as role models by defending the truth and standing against injustice in society.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness and shaping lives through faith and godly example,” he continued.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn.”

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