The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as the suppression of opposition voices, cautioning that the country is gradually tilting towards a one-party system.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their plenary meeting in Akwa Ibom State on Friday, the bishops warned that such political dominance poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, President of the CBCN, and Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi, Secretary of the CBCN.
The bishops lamented that instead of focusing on governance, politicians appear preoccupied with strategies to retain power ahead of the 2027 general elections. They described this obsession as a major driver of corruption, inefficiency, and the neglect of citizens’ welfare.
According to the communiqué:
“In the face of many life-threatening challenges, politicians are more preoccupied with securing and retaining power and less concerned with good governance for the common good of the electorate.
Abandoning their duties, they seem more concerned with perfecting strategies to grasp power in 2027. In fact, there seems to be suppression of opposition as Nigeria appears to be tilting to a one-party state, which is not a good omen for democracy.”
The bishops also criticised frequent defections and political realignments, calling them self-serving moves with little regard for the people’s welfare.
Looking ahead to 2027, they demanded credible electoral reforms, including real-time electronic transmission and collation of results, while also urging the judiciary to remain impartial, noting that its integrity is essential to Nigeria’s stability.
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