Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has called on Nigerians to actively participate in politics ahead of the 2027 General Elections, despite concerns over corruption, electoral violence, vote buying and declining public trust in democratic process.

This came as the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria urged Nigerians to understand the Constitution, Electoral Act, support issue-based campaigns, reject electoral manipulation and violence, as well as to demand transparency from political leaders.

Fayemi spoke at the weekend while delivering a lecture at the September 2026 Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held at Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State.

The former governor, who spoke on the theme: Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, study candidates and their programmes, monitor elections and promote voter education.

Fayemi urged citizens to hold elected officials accountable and make informed choices at the polls, rather than allowing ethnicity, religion, financial gain or blind loyalty to political parties to influence their votes.

He described political participation as both a civic responsibility and an opportunity to promote justice, peace, human dignity and the common good.

Earlier, the President of CBCN, Most Reverend Matthew Ndagoso, said the theme of the gathering was timely, considering the challenges of insecurity, corruption, poverty and injustice confronting the country.

Ndagoso urged Nigerians to understand the Constitution and electoral process, support issue-based campaigns, reject electoral manipulation and violence, and demand transparency from political leaders.

The Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Reverend Leke Abegunrin, also called for competence, accountability, truthfulness and commitment to justice among those seeking public office.

He urged politicians and aspiring leaders to put public service above personal ambition, protect vulnerable citizens, reject corruption and restore hope to Nigerians.

The Bishop of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye, also stressed the importance of responsible citizenship and active participation in the political process.

He urged the Catholic faithful and other citizens to see political engagement as an avenue to promote the common good, uphold justice and contribute to good governance.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province Laity Council, Prof. Francis Ibimiluyi, called for greater political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He warned that voter apathy, vote buying, corruption, misinformation and electoral violence could undermine democratic governance.