As Nigeria gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has urged citizens to allow conscience, truth and the common good to guide their political choices, warning against ethnic, religious and monetary inducements.

The call was made by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, in his New Year message, where he linked Christian faith with civic responsibility in the build-up to the next electoral cycle.

Rev. Fr. Banjo said the approaching elections present a critical moment for Nigerians to demonstrate moral responsibility as citizens, stressing that national renewal would not come solely from political power but from renewed consciences among the people.

“As we prepare for the 2027 elections, citizens are called to make choices guided by conscience, truth, and the common good, rather than by ethnic loyalty, religious bias, money, or divisive rhetoric,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s challenges, ranging from economic hardship and insecurity to social tension, are deeply connected to a disconnect between faith and daily life, adding that elections offer an opportunity to correct this by prioritising integrity and responsibility in public life.

The cleric cautioned public servants, professionals and political actors against bribery and abuse of office, while urging voters to reject corruption and manipulation during the electoral process.

According to him, the quality of leadership that emerges in 2027 will largely reflect the moral choices of ordinary citizens.

Rev. Fr. Banjo also called on Nigerians to see themselves as brothers and sisters beyond political, ethnic or religious lines, insisting that no individual or group should be marginalised in the pursuit of power.

He further emphasised the role of families, schools and young people in shaping the future electorate, describing the youth as a quiet revolution whose discipline, values and choices today are already defining the Nigeria of tomorrow.

“Youth is not merely preparation for the future; it is already a decisive moment of responsibility,” he said, urging young Nigerians to reject crime, drugs and destructive shortcuts, and instead invest in education, skills and character formation ahead of their increasing participation in national decision-making.

While acknowledging the difficulties faced by Nigerians in the past year, Rev. Fr. Banjo expressed hope that the New Year could mark a turning point if citizens live out values of honesty, fairness and stewardship, especially in how public resources and institutions are treated.

He noted that credible hope for Nigeria’s future, including the success of the 2027 general elections, would depend on translating faith into responsible action, noting that “nations are renewed when consciences are renewed.” (TRIBUNE)