Nigerian Bishops to hold four days of prayer for 2027 elections

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria has scheduled four days of prayer and fasting to prepare for the 2027 general elections. The program, themed "Let Justice and Peace Flow," aims to promote free, fair, and peaceful elections while addressing challenges such as electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying, and ethnic or religious divisions.

The schedule includes three parish-level days of prayer and fasting on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and Saturday, November 28, 2026, as well as on Friday, January 15, 2027, the eve of the presidential and parliamentary elections. During these parish events, participants may fast until noon or 6 p.m. depending on their health and will join in Rosary processions, Holy Mass, and the recitation of a specific CBCN prayer for the elections.

A nationwide diocesan day of prayer is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2026, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In every diocese, bishops will preside over a 3 p.m. Mass where they will read a pastoral letter dedicated to the elections, followed by a Rosary procession and Eucharistic Benediction.

Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, president of the conference, and Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, the secretary, signed the statement announcing the program. The bishops urged the faithful to combine these prayers with responsible civic participation to ensure the elections reflect the genuine will of the people.