2027 election must reflect people’s choice – Bishops warn Tinubu to avoid disaster and leave legacy behind

Leaders of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria have urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the 2027 general election reflects the genuine will of Nigerians, warning that any process lacking credibility could plunge the country into avoidable crisis.

The warning came during a meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where the President reaffirmed his determination to seek reelection, declaring he would contest vigorously and would not step aside.

Speaking on behalf of the conference, Archbishop Matthew Man Oso Ndagoso said growing public distrust in Nigeria’s electoral process has already led to declining voter turnout.

He called for the easy availability of Permanent Voter Cards and insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission must conduct transparent, free and fair elections.

The bishops warned that any election outcome that fails to reflect the true choice of Nigerians would amount to a dangerous setback for the country’s democracy.

They also expressed concern over what they described as a shrinking political space, with fears that Nigeria could be drifting toward one party dominance.

Ndagoso reminded Tinubu of his pro-democracy credentials and urged him to leave behind a legacy of stronger democratic institutions rather than a weakened opposition.

The bishops further highlighted worsening insecurity, economic hardship and the need to guarantee equal rights for all citizens. They called for adequate funding of the electoral commission and responsible conduct by political leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding, Tinubu defended the independence and neutrality of INEC, insisting that every political party has an equal opportunity to compete. He maintained that he would vigorously pursue victory in 2027 and would not relinquish power without an electoral contest.