Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have cautioned against what they describe as the suppression of opposition voices, warning that the country is gradually drifting towards a one-party state.
The concern was raised in a communiqué issued on Friday at the end of the plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held in Akwa Ibom State.
The document was signed by the Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President, Lucius Ugorji, and the Bishop of Uromi and CBCN Secretary, Donatus Ogun.
The bishops urged politicians to resist efforts that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system, stressing that a one-party state is detrimental to good governance and political stability.
They expressed disappointment that politicians are increasingly focused on securing power ahead of the 2027 general elections rather than addressing governance failures.
According to the communiqué, this obsession has fuelled corruption, inefficiency, and widespread neglect of citizens’ welfare.
The bishops also condemned frequent political defections and realignments, describing them as self-serving acts that do little to improve the lives of Nigerians.
