Catholic Bishops Urge Tinubu on Religious Inclusion

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) expressed concerns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, highlighted the anxiety among Christians regarding the Muslim-Muslim presidency and the need for reassurance about their political inclusion.

The bishops called for deliberate government policies to address these concerns and reinforce the constitutional guarantee of equal citizenship regardless of religious affiliation. They also raised alarms about the political direction of Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach, warning of a potential drift towards a one-party state.

The bishops urged President Tinubu to ensure that democratic institutions remain strong and independent, allowing all political parties and candidates fair participation in the electoral process. They emphasized the importance of restoring public confidence in elections and called for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct transparent and credible elections, alongside easier access to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for eligible Nigerians.