By Asuquo Cletus
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has decried the worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and poverty in the country, urging Nigerians not to succumb to vote buying or electoral manipulation ahead of future elections.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its Second Plenary Meeting held from September 11–19, 2025, at the Diocesan Retreat and Youth Development Centre, Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Akwa Ibom State, the Bishops warned that corruption and bad governance remain the fundamental causes of Nigeria’s problems.
Briefing journalists in Calabar on Saturday, His Grace, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, Archbishop of Calabar, said the Bishops were alarmed by the extreme suffering faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Quoting the communiqué, he said: “Our people have continued to suffer under extreme poverty and economic hardship and appear abandoned to a life of destitution and penury. Insecurity continues unabated with many citizens kidnapped, dehumanised, killed, or forced to flee their homes forsaking their means of livelihood.”
The Bishops accused politicians of prioritising personal ambition and 2027 election calculations over service to the people. “Abandoning their duties, they seem more concerned with the pursuit of their personal political agenda and perfecting strategies to grasp power in 2027,” the communiqué read.
On electoral integrity, the CBCN demanded urgent reforms, including electronic transmission and real-time collation of results, transparent appointment of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and a judiciary that must remain impartial.
The Bishops also issued a strong appeal to citizens “We encourage all adults of voting age to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards ready and vote at general elections in accordance with their informed conscience. We strongly advise our citizens not to allow themselves to be influenced by bribes, or swayed by promise of instant gratification, intimidation, or ethno-religious considerations during elections.”
They concluded by reaffirming their Christian message of hope, calling on Nigerians to persevere and work together for justice, peace, and the common good.
