By John Dike, Osogbo
Barely four months to the scheduled governorship election in Osun State, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, John Oyejola, has warned that voter apathy encourages rigging and endangers democracy.
Stressing why it is wrong to boycott voting on election days due to perceived grievances against certain parties or candidates, the cleric said staying away from polling booths embolden perpetrators of electoral fraud in their malpractice.
Specifically, he warned that voter apathy stands as a major enabler of electoral malpractice, and that citizens who fail to participate in elections inadvertently create room for manipulation of the democratic process.
Oyejola spoke during the 2026 Chrism Mass held at St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Osogbo.
He urged Catholics and other Christians to actively perform their civic responsibilities by turning out en masse to vote in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, scheduled for August 15, and the 2027 general elections.
According to him, active participation in elections is critical to the emergence of credible and accountable leadership, as democracy only thrive, when citizens play their part.
His words, “If you fail to vote, you give room for politicians to rig elections. But if you come out to vote, manipulation becomes difficult. Even when they attempt it, it will not significantly affect the overall result. Please come out and vote for candidates of your choice.”
He further noted that individuals who choose to abstain from voting, lack the moral justification to criticise election outcomes, emphasising that increased voter turnout remains one of the most effective ways to curb electoral irregularities.
“Participation in elections remains the most effective way to reduce manipulation that has plagued our electoral system over the year,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the Chrism Mass, the bishop expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of faithful from across the diocese, describing the celebration as a powerful symbol of unity between the clergy and the laity.
He commended priests, religious sisters and lay faithful for their unwavering dedication to the growth and development of the Church, urging them to sustain their commitment to service and spiritual development.
The bishop also highlighted the importance of continuous faith formation, pointing to various programmes within the diocese designed to deepen understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions.
He encouraged parishioners to actively participate in church societies and organisations, noting that such involvement fosters spiritual growth, unity and a stronger sense of belonging.
Addressing family life, Bishop Oyejola urged parents to be more attentive to their children, stressing that beyond meeting material needs, they must provide guidance, listen attentively and nurture them in the fear of God.
He underscored effective communication as essential in raising responsible and morally upright individuals.
On broader Church responsibilities, the bishop appealed to priests to remain committed to financial contributions supporting persecuted Christians in the Middle East, describing the initiative as a strong expression of solidarity and shared faith.
He also announced that the Osogbo Diocese will host bishops from across the country in September for the meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, expected to last ten days and deliberate on critical issues affecting both the Church and the nation.
The Chrism Mass, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic Church, witnessed a large turnout of clergy, religious and lay faithful, reflecting the vibrancy of the diocese.
The mass commemorates the institution of the priesthood and the Holy Eucharist, and features the blessing of sacred oils – the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism used throughout the liturgical year..
