The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address growing concerns among Christians over political inclusion and religious balance in the country.
The bishops made their position known during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
They raised concerns over what they described as increasing anxiety among many Christians following the emergence of a Muslim-Muslim presidency.
Speaking on behalf of the conference, CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, said many Christians still feel uncertain about their place in the nation’s political structure and are looking to the Federal Government for reassurance.
“This, Mr. President, is a time when many Christians have legitimate concerns about their place in Nigeria, especially regarding the departure from the Christian/Muslim presidency, and we hope that, through deliberate government policies, those concerns will be addressed and Christians will be reassured of their rights as citizens,” the bishops said.
The clerics noted that while Nigeria has continued to maintain cordial diplomatic ties with the Holy See and enjoys a long history of religious coexistence, there is a need for deliberate efforts to strengthen national unity and ensure that no group feels excluded from governance.
They called on President Tinubu to take practical steps that would ease concerns among Christians and reinforce confidence in the constitutional guarantee of equal citizenship regardless of religious affiliation.Presidential election coverage
Beyond issues of religious representation, the bishops also expressed concern about the country’s political direction as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
According to them, there are growing fears among Nigerians about the shrinking political space and the possibility of the country drifting towards a one-party state.Africans & Diaspora
The conference reminded the President of his role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and urged him to ensure that democratic institutions remain strong and independent.
The bishops stressed that all political parties and candidates must be given a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process without intimidation or undue advantage.
They warned that public confidence in elections has weakened over the years, with many Nigerians questioning whether their votes truly count.
According to the conference, restoring trust in the electoral process should be a priority for the government ahead of the next general election.
