President Tinubu
Abayomi Susan
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed concern over the country’s political and security situation, warning that Nigeria risks drifting towards a one-party system amid growing concerns over democratic participation, institutional credibility and national cohesion.
The warning was issued on Tuesday by the newly elected CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, who led a delegation of Catholic bishops to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing the President on behalf of the bishops, Ndagoso highlighted concerns over what he described as a shrinking political space and weakening opposition forces, noting that such developments have raised fears about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Archbishop recalled President Tinubu’s past involvement in the pro-democracy struggle during the military era, urging him to uphold the democratic principles he once championed.
He said many Nigerians are increasingly worried that the political environment is becoming less competitive and that democratic freedoms could be under threat.
“Many voices are expressing concerns over what they perceive as the restriction of the political space,” Ndagoso said, adding that only concrete actions by the government would reassure citizens that fears of a one-party state are unfounded.
The bishops called on the President to encourage greater respect for democratic values among officials of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors, lawmakers and local government leaders.
According to the CBCN President, President Tinubu’s legacy should be measured by his ability to strengthen democratic institutions and create a political system that remains resilient beyond any individual administration.
The Catholic leaders also raised concerns about declining confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that growing voter apathy could weaken democratic participation.
They urged the Federal Government to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the resources and independence required to conduct credible elections.
The bishops stressed that the 2027 general elections must be transparent, free and fair, warning that any process perceived as lacking credibility could further deepen public distrust and threaten democratic stability.
Beyond political concerns, the CBCN delegation highlighted the country’s worsening security and economic challenges.
The bishops expressed concern over continued attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups targeting communities, schools, religious institutions, farms and major transport routes.
They also raised concerns over rising living costs, economic hardship and the challenges affecting the nation’s electricity sector, which they described as requiring urgent attention.
Ndagoso further spoke on issues affecting religious freedom, particularly security concerns faced by Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria’s political, economic and security challenges are closely connected, stressing that a weakened democratic environment could make it more difficult for citizens and institutions to demand accountability.
The bishops urged the Federal Government to take urgent measures to rebuild public confidence, strengthen democratic structures and address the country’s security and economic difficulties in order to safeguard national unity and stability.
