Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Fides News Agency) – “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.”
This was stated by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in his address to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu received the Nigerian bishops yesterday, July 28, at the Presidential Villa. During the meeting, the Prelates expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See, but also highlighted that many Christians still have legitimate concerns over inclusion under the current administration.
In particular, the bishops drew attention to the end of the long-standing practice of sectarian balance at the highest levels of government, which provided for the alternation of a Christian president and a Muslim vice president, and a Muslim president and a Christian vice president. At present, both President Tinubu and his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, are Muslims.
The CBCN therefore urged President Tinubu to take steps to “soothe frayed nerves” and reassure Christians of their constitutional rights, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 general elections. In this regard, the bishops urged the President to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducts free, fair and credible elections, beginning with the easy availability of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ending with results that reflect the true choice of voters.
“Anything short of transparent, free, fair and credible elections in 2027 would be an invitation to avoidable disaster,” the bishops warned.
On insecurity, the bishops commended the Federal Government for the recent rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as well as the arrest of some of the suspected kidnappers.
However, they described such achievements as isolated successes, saying terrorism, banditry and kidnapping continue to threaten lives across the country.
The bishops pointed out that schools, places of worship, homes, farms and highways remain unsafe, with criminals operating freely in many parts of Nigeria.
Finally, the CBCN also appealed to President Tinubu to invite Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria, saying the Holy Father “holds the country close to his heart” and that his visit would strengthen efforts towards peace and unity.
(L.M.) (Fides News Agency, 29/7/2026)
