Catholic Bishops declare nationwide prayers for peaceful 2027 elections

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared a national program of prayer and fasting to promote free, fair, credible and peaceful 2027 general elections.

The theme of the program is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” taken from Amos 5:24.

Its president, Mgr., announced this on Monday in Abuja. Matthew Ndagoso, and the secretary, Msgr. Peter Odetoyinbo, in a statement signed by CBCN.

The bishops said the initiative was necessary as Nigeria approached the 2027 elections, amid recurring challenges of electoral violence, vote-rigging, vote-buying and ethno-religious divisions.

They invited dioceses, parishes, ecclesial societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to actively participate in the program.

The bishops said the spiritual exercise sought God’s guidance so that election officials and security personnel could faithfully carry out their duties.

They added that it also sought to divert minds from electoral malpractices and violence, while inspiring citizens to vote conscientiously.

According to the statement, all parishes will observe days of prayer and fasting for Nigeria on October 31 and November 28.

The program will include fasting, the Rosary with procession, the Holy Mass and the recitation of the CBCN prayer for the 2027 elections.

The statement adds that December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will be observed as a nationwide diocesan day of prayer.

The celebration will begin at 3pm with the Holy Mass, presided over by the diocesan bishop, during which a pastoral letter entitled “Elections 2027: invitation to choice and responsible action” will be read.

The Mass will be followed at 4.30 pm by the Rosary procession in the cathedral and will end with the Eucharistic Blessing.

The bishops said January 15, 2027, on the eve of the general elections, will also be observed as a national parish day of prayer and fasting.

They urged Nigerians to reject tribalism, corruption, bribery and apathy, and to vote and protect their votes without rancor or bloodshed.