Catholic Bishops Reject FCT Polls, Cite 7% Turnout as Democratic Setback, Condemn Alleged Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has rejected the credibility of the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, citing a voter turnout of seven percent and describing the exercise as a setback for democracy.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its first plenary assembly of 2026 in Abuja, the bishops said the low participation rate undermines the legitimacy of officials elected in the polls. The week-long meeting was held from February 19 to 26 at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

Referring to data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the conference described the turnout as “abysmal” and indicative of deepening voter apathy and declining public trust in the electoral system.

The bishops called on the National Assembly to prioritise comprehensive electoral reforms. Among their recommendations is mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System to INEC’s Result Viewing portal to enhance transparency and restore confidence in elections.

The communiqué, titled *“Leadership for the Common Good,”* also addressed security concerns following an attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The incident occurred on February 24 in Benin City during a political event at the residence of former All Progressives Congress National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. Gunmen reportedly fired at vehicles and parts of the property. No casualties were confirmed.

The bishops condemned what they described as an alleged assassination attempt, warning that such violence threatens democratic participation and deepens insecurity. They said recurring attacks across the country create fear and discourage citizens from engaging in civic and political activities.

Beyond the elections and the Benin incident, the CBCN criticised what it termed systemic governance failures. The communiqué linked persistent insecurity, economic hardship and institutional weaknesses to poor leadership and a lack of accountability.

The bishops also raised concerns about the neutrality of state institutions during elections, alleging misuse of security agencies and the judiciary for political ends. They expressed unease over delays in prosecuting terrorism suspects and the reintegration of former insurgents, as well as revenue losses from illegal mining and oil bunkering.

On economic issues, the conference questioned continued government borrowing amid widespread poverty and displacement of farming communities. It urged leaders to prioritise public welfare and national stability.

The assembly concluded with a leadership transition within the conference. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso was elected CBCN President, succeeding Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, while Alfred Adewale Martins was elected Vice President.

The bishops called on public office holders to uphold integrity and competence, and urged citizens to remain engaged in the democratic process despite current challenges.