Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty
By John Dike, Osogbo
Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, has urged Nigerians to actively participate in the 2027 general elections and other democratic processes, stressing that citizens must ensure that their votes count.
He gave the charge shortly after the opening Mass marking the commencement of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), being hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Osun State.
The Papal Nuncio, who represents Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, said the Catholic Church was deeply concerned about the level of citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly the low voter turnout recorded during elections.
According to him, active participation by citizens remains essential to building a better future for the country, noting that Nigerians must not abandon the democratic process to politicians and other political actors.
He said his presence at the plenary was principally to strengthen the communion between the Holy Father and the Catholic Church in Nigeria, while encouraging the bishops in their deliberations on issues affecting the Church, the faithful and the wider Nigerian society.
Archbishop Crotty said: “I am here today at the Catholic Bishops’ Second Plenary of the Conference. This year, it is being hosted in Osogbo.
“My message, as one in communion with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, representing him in Nigeria, my central mission is the sign of communion within the local Church in Nigeria and the bishops of Pope Leo XIV.
“I wish to encourage them all in their deliberations today for the Catholic faithful, for all in Nigeria and for all citizens of Nigeria.”
The Papal Nuncio stressed that citizens had an important role to play in determining the direction of the country through active participation in elections and other democratic processes.
He said: “I think you have heard the Bishop speak very clearly this morning. The most important part is for the citizens to be engaged in the democratic process, to make their votes count.
“It is through the democratic process that we can build up the future of Nigerian society, and I think the important thing is for the people’s votes to count and to participate in the election process and all other occasions.”
Archbishop Crotty noted that the Catholic Bishops had expressed concern over the low level of voter turnout and participation in previous elections, saying the Church would continue to encourage citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities.
“The bishops expressed their concerns about the low turnout and low participation in the election. So they will renew that call for people to participate in the election,” he added.
The Papal Nuncio’s call comes as political parties and politicians begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, which are expected to be another major test for Nigeria’s democratic development.
He urged Nigerians not to become discouraged by challenges associated with the electoral process, but to remain actively involved and demand accountability from those seeking public office.
Archbishop Crotty’s message also underscored the Catholic Church’s longstanding emphasis on responsible citizenship, good governance, accountability and the moral responsibility of both leaders and citizens in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
He maintained that democracy could only deliver meaningful results when citizens do not actively participate in choosing their leaders and remain engaged beyond election day.
The Archbishop therefore encouraged Nigerians to see voting not merely as a political activity but as an important civic responsibility capable of influencing the future direction of the country.
The Second Plenary Meeting of the CBCN is being held at the Our Lady and St. Kizito’s Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State, with Catholic bishops from across Nigeria gathering to deliberate on matters concerning the Church and the nation.
The plenary is expected to feature discussions on contemporary national challenges, governance, insecurity, moral responsibility, the welfare of citizens and the role of the Church in promoting peace, justice and development.
The gathering has also provided an opportunity for the Catholic hierarchy to renew its appeal to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly on the need for responsible political participation and the protection of the integrity of the electoral process.
Archbishop Crotty’s appeal was therefore not only directed at political leaders but also at the citizens, whom he urged to recognise the power and responsibility attached to their votes.
He emphasised that for Nigeria’s democracy to produce the desired transformation, citizens must participate in elections and ensure that their choices are respected.
The Papal Nuncio further called for continued engagement in democratic processes, stressing that the future of Nigerian society would, to a significant extent, depend on the willingness of citizens to participate actively in shaping it.
