The Archbishop of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called for a level playing ground for all political actors ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, urging stakeholders to uphold justice, fairness, and credibility throughout the electoral process.
Delivering his Palm Sunday message at Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church in Abuja, Kaigama stressed the need for the judiciary to remain impartial, warning against partisanship and bias in handling electoral matters. He insisted that justice must be dispensed fairly, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political affiliations.
The cleric challenged political leaders to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, who, despite His influence, chose a path of peace, justice, and service to humanity—especially the poor and vulnerable.
“We wish that the kind of kingdom our political actors are engaged in today could create hope for our nation, where the poor and the less fortunate are shown that they are valued, and that their state of being poor has not in any way made them second-class citizens,” he said.
Kaigama noted that such a vision is achievable if government prioritizes the welfare of the disadvantaged through social protection, equitable distribution of resources, and a commitment to seeing power as service rather than domination.
He, however, expressed concern over the current political climate, describing it as troubling and fear-inducing.
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“Sadly, what we hear is frightening. What sort of democracy do we practice that threatens more than it encourages? Intimidates rather than woo?” he queried, adding that Nigerians deserve an electoral environment that guarantees genuine participation and trust.
The Archbishop urged political leaders and institutions, including security agencies and electoral bodies, to prove skeptics wrong by ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
“Let these fears be proven wrong; let our leaders disappoint those political sceptics that a decent, civilized election is possible,” he said. “Where contentions arise, let justice be upheld, and all involved remain objective and neutral, rather than dancing to certain interests or the tune of the highest bidders.”
Kaigama also reminded politicians of the unpredictability of public opinion, cautioning that today’s praise could quickly turn into rejection.
“You never know tomorrow. It may be ‘Hosanna’ today and ‘crucify’ tomorrow. Human reactions can unpredictably shift very fast,” he warned.
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He concluded with a message of hope, encouraging Nigerians, particularly Christians, not to succumb to pessimism despite prevailing challenges.
“No matter how low we fall, there is always the possibility of rising from it to the heights,” he said.
The Archbishop’s remarks come amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s democratic processes, as stakeholders begin early conversations around the 2027 general elections.
