The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, is exercising doubts about the 2027 elections, saying any democracy in which there are threats and intimidation is a deviation from the tenets of good governance.

While challenging the government to make a preferential option for the poor, provide social insurance, ensure equitable distribution of resources, see power as service, not as domination, and elections as a decent way to promote good governance, Nigeria would be a better place.

Kaigama who stated these in his Palm Sunday Homily with the theme, “From The Cross To Victory”, called on Nigerian leaders to disappoint those political sceptics who believe that a decent and civilized election is not possible.

He said, “We wish that the kind of kingdom our very animated political actors are engaged in today could create hope for our nation, where the poor and the less fortunate are shown that they are valued and that their state of being poor has not in any way made them second-class citizens.

“This is realizable if only the government can make a preferential option for the poor, provide social insurance, ensure equitable distribution of our commonwealth and resources, see power as service, not as domination, and elections as a decent way to promote good governance.

“What we hear is happening is frightening. What sort of democracy do we practice that threatens more than it encourages? Intimidates rather than woo? Don’t blame people when they sarcastically ask whether there will be a democratic environment where people can experience a true election.

“Let these fears be proven wrong; let our leaders disappoint those political sceptics that a decent, civilized election is possible, and where contentions arise, that our security agents, our judiciary and all those entrusted with the sacredness of conducting these elections will ensure that justice is upheld, and all involved will be objective and neutral, rather than dancing to certain interests or the tune of the highest bidders.

“Let justice be available and accessible to all. Politicians should realize that public opinion can change at any time. It is wise that they be fair to all. You never know tomorrow. It may be “Hosanna” today and “crucify” tomorrow. Human reactions can unpredictably shift very fast.

“Let us pray fervently during this Holy Week to obtain the grace to unite our sufferings with Christ, and for our political actors to realize that confident human trust can be shattered unless it is predicated on God.

“No matter how many of our days seem to end in a depressing way, they are not the last word in our lives. Rather, they are only the prelude to triumph in this life, and they point to the ultimate victory which will be ours in the next life.

“As Christians, pessimism must not be a vocabulary that characterizes our life, even when we hit rock bottom, or falling into the depths of sin must not make us pessimistic; we must not lose hope. No matter how low we fall, there is always the possibility of rising from it to the heights.” (AriseNews TV)

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