Catholic Bishops Warn Against Erosion of Democracy in Nigeria

On Wednesday, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, raised significant concerns regarding the state of the nation.

The CBCN warned against the narrowing of political opposition and the emergence of a single-party dominant state. They reminded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his past as an opposition figure and expressed public anxiety over the anticipated shift towards a one-party system.

The Bishops urged the President to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and emphasized that his legacy should focus on protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions. They highlighted the erosion of faith in the electoral process, citing declining voter turnout and disenchantment.

The CBCN called for transparent elections in 2027 and urged the federal government to adequately fund the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and improve access to voters’ cards. Additionally, they addressed severe economic and security challenges, demanding concrete actions to alleviate citizens' hardships.