Theme: “Let Justice and Peace Flow” – Amos 5:24
By Joel Gwom,
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared a National Prayer Programme for peaceful, free, fair and credible 2027 General Elections in the country.
The programme, with the theme “Let Justice and Peace Flow” drawn from Amos 5:24, was contained in a pastoral directive issued on Sunday, October 19, 2026, and jointly signed by the President of CBCN, His Grace, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, and the Secretary, His Lordship, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo.
In the foreword, the Bishops said that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls, the faithful are called to intensify prayers for elections devoid of violence, rigging, vote-buying and ethnic and religious divisions.
“The recurring challenges of electoral violence, rigging, vote-buying and ethnic and religious divisions demand our collective commitment to justice, peace and the common good,” the statement said.
The CBCN therefore called on all dioceses, parishes, Church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate actively in the National Programme of prayer and fasting.
According to the Bishops, the spiritual exercise is to implore God to guide officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies in the faithful discharge of their duties, turn hearts away from malpractice and violence, inspire citizens to vote conscientiously and peacefully, and grant the nation leaders who serve with integrity, wisdom and the fear of God.
The Conference outlined a four-phase programme of activities.
The first is Saturday, October 31, 2026, designated as Nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting. According to the directive, all parishes throughout Nigeria shall observe fasting, Rosary, with procession where possible, Holy Mass and recitation of the CBCN Prayer for the 2027 General Elections. The faithful may fast until noon, 6.00 p.m. or any suitable time in between, according to their health and circumstances, while those unable to fast may offer prayers and other acts of sacrifice.
The second is Saturday, November 28, 2026, also as Nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting, with the same programme as that of October 31, subject to adaptations by Diocesan Bishops in view of local circumstances.
The third is Tuesday, December 8, 2026, being the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, designated as Nationwide Diocesan Day of Prayer. The day will bring together priests, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the laity and various Church associations.
The celebration, according to the programme, shall begin with Holy Mass at 3.00 p.m. at a designated church, presided over by the Diocesan Bishop or, in his absence, his delegate. During the Mass, the CBCN Pastoral Letter, “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action”, shall be read, and the CBCN prayer for the 2027 General Elections recited. Rosary Procession shall commence at 4.30 p.m. and proceed to the Cathedral, where the celebration shall conclude with Eucharistic Benediction.
The statement added that Diocesan Directorates of Communications shall coordinate live coverage of the celebrations in their respective dioceses, in collaboration with the Directorate of Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), to ensure nationwide visibility.
The fourth and final phase is Friday, January 15, 2027, eve of the elections, designated as Nationwide Parish Day of Prayer and Fasting, with the same programme as that of October 31.
Meanwhile, the CBCN has released a special Prayer for Credible and Peaceful Elections in Nigeria, 2027, to be prayed at Masses, other prayer gatherings and during family and personal prayers, entrusting Nigeria to God and to the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus and Queen of Nigeria, for leaders after God’s own heart who will pursue justice, secure peace and advance the welfare of all, especially the poor and the forgotten.
