By Jude Atupulazi
Ahead of the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has declared a nationwide prayer and fasting for a peaceful, free, fair and credible exercise. This comes amid growing concerns over electoral violence, vote buying, rigging and religious divisions
The programme, which will continue through November and December, will culminate in another day of prayer and fasting on January 15, 2027, the eve of the elections.
The Bishops’ Conference also called for prayers for electoral officials and security personnel to discharge their duties faithfully, and for voters to reject malpractice and violence.
The statement which was made last Monday, was signed by the President of the Conference, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, and its Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo. It had the theme, ”Let Justice and Peace Flow”, drawn from Amos 5:24.
The Bishops cited what they described as recurring challenges of electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying, ethnic and religious divisions, political apathy and insecurity ahead of 2027. They sought God’s guidance for INEC, judiciary and security agencies, and for citizens to vote conscientiously.
The dates for the prayers and fasting were given as follows: Parish Days of Prayer & Fasting:
– Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 — all parishes
– Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026 — all parishes
– Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, — on the eve of the elections, all parishes
Activities: fasting (till noon, till 6pm, or as health allows — those unable to fast can offer prayers/sacrifice), Rosary, procession where possible, Holy Mass, and recitation of the CBCN Prayer for 2027 Elections.
Diocesan Day of Prayer:
– Tuesday, December 8, 2026 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This will be diocesan-wide. 3pm: Holy Mass presided by a Bishop at a designated church, reading of their pastoral letter titled, “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action”, followed at 4:30pm by a Rosary procession to the Cathedral and Eucharistic Benediction.
The Bishops asked all dioceses, parishes, church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate.
