Catholic Bishops Warn: 2026 Electoral Law Risks 2027 Elections
CBCN says flawed law may weaken democracy and voter trust
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN
The 2026 Electoral Law has drawn sharp criticism from Nigeria’s Catholic bishops. They warn that the law may undermine free and fair elections in 2027.
Speaking through the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the bishops said the new law does not reflect the will of Nigerians. They urged lawmakers to review the legislation without delay.
CBCN Raises Alarm in Abuja
At the opening of the CBCN’s first 2026 plenary meeting in Abuja, CBCN President Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji expressed deep concern. The meeting held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
According to him, repeated electoral irregularities have damaged public confidence. As a result, voter turnout has dropped sharply over the years.
He cited official figures. Voter turnout fell from 69% in 2003 to just 23% in 2023. This trend, he warned, questions the legitimacy of elected leaders.
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Why the 2026 Electoral Law Matters
The bishops insist that the 2026 Electoral Law weakens transparency. Specifically, they criticized the failure to mandate real-time transmission of results from BVAS to the IReV portal.
Therefore, CBCN called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to act. They want lawmakers to restore digital safeguards that protect votes from manipulation.
Moreover, the bishops described the law as a “watered-down” version of public demands. They stressed that democracy cannot survive without credible elections.
Security and Illegal Mining Concerns
Beyond elections, CBCN also warned about rising insecurity. Kidnappings and violent attacks continue in Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, and Kogi states.
In addition, the bishops accused criminal groups of using illegal mining proceeds to fund terrorism. They alleged that some foreign nationals exploit weak regulations to extract gold and lithium.
These activities, they said, cause environmental damage and public health crises due to mercury and lead exposure.
Call to Political Leaders
Finally, CBCN urged Nigeria’s leaders to pursue the common good. They stressed that governance must protect dignity, security, and basic human needs.
Without urgent reform, the bishops warned, Nigeria’s democracy may suffer lasting damage.
