2027: Catholic Bishops Warns Tinubu Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address growing concerns among Christians over political inclusion and religious balance in the country.

The bishops made their position known during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

They raised concerns over what they described as increasing anxiety among many Christians following the emergence of a Muslim-Muslim presidency.

Speaking on behalf of the conference, CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, said many Christians still feel uncertain about their place in the nation’s political structure and are looking to the Federal Government for reassurance.

“This, Mr. President, is a time when many Christians have legitimate concerns about their place in Nigeria, especially regarding the departure from the Christian/Muslim presidency, and we hope that, through deliberate government policies, those concerns will be addressed and Christians will be reassured of their rights as citizens,” the bishops said.

The clerics noted that while Nigeria has continued to maintain cordial diplomatic ties with the Holy See and enjoys a long history of religious coexistence, there is a need for deliberate efforts to strengthen national unity and ensure that no group feels excluded from governance.

They called on President Tinubu to take practical steps that would ease concerns among Christians and reinforce confidence in the constitutional guarantee of equal citizenship regardless of religious affiliation.

Beyond issues of religious representation, the bishops also expressed concern about the country’s political direction as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.

According to them, there are growing fears among Nigerians about the shrinking political space and the possibility of the country drifting towards a one-party state.

The conference reminded the President of his role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and urged him to ensure that democratic institutions remain strong and independent.

The bishops stressed that all political parties and candidates must be given a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process without intimidation or undue advantage.

They warned that public confidence in elections has weakened over the years, with many Nigerians questioning whether their votes truly count.

According to the conference, restoring trust in the electoral process should be a priority for the government ahead of the next general election.

The bishops urged President Tinubu to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts elections that are transparent, credible and acceptable to the Nigerian people.

They also called for easier access to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying every eligible Nigerian must be given the opportunity to participate in choosing the country’s leaders.

“Anything short of transparent, free, fair and credible elections in 2027 would be an invitation to avoidable disaster,” they warned.

On the issue of security, the bishops acknowledged recent efforts by security agencies, particularly the rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and the arrest of some suspected kidnappers linked to the incident.

However, they maintained that insecurity remains a major challenge across the country.

The conference said incidents of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry continue to affect communities in different parts of Nigeria, leaving many citizens living in fear.

According to the bishops, schools, farms, highways, homes and places of worship remain vulnerable to attacks in several areas.

They called for stronger and more coordinated security measures to protect lives and property and restore confidence among citizens.

The clerics also drew attention to the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.

They said rising living costs, poor electricity supply, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure continue to place enormous pressure on families and businesses.

While acknowledging ongoing reforms by the administration, the bishops said many ordinary Nigerians are yet to experience meaningful relief.

“Our nation is bleeding. The citizens are suffering and crying,” they said.

They added that Nigerians are looking beyond promises and expect practical improvements in their daily lives.

The conference nevertheless commended the Federal Government for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), describing the initiative as a positive step toward expanding access to higher education for young Nigerians.

In addition, the bishops appealed to President Tinubu to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria.

According to them, the Pope has a special affection for the country, and a visit would serve as a source of encouragement for millions of Nigerians while promoting national unity and peace.

The conference further urged the Federal Government to guarantee equal protection of religious freedom across all parts of the country.

Referring to the Supreme Court judgment of February 10, 2026, which affirmed the constitutional rights of Muslim students at Rivers State University to freedom of religion and worship, the bishops said similar protections must be available to Christians nationwide.

They particularly highlighted concerns in parts of Northern Nigeria, where they claimed some Christian communities still face difficulties in acquiring land for churches and freely practising their faith.