Former Ekiti State Governor, *Dr. Kayode Fayemi*, has called on the Catholic faithful in Nigeria to see political participation as a duty of faith and responsible citizenship, anchored on justice, integrity and service to the common good ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Fayemi ,also former Minister of Mines and Sterl.Develooment made the call while delivering a lecture at the September Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, held at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State.
Speaking on the theme, “Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Active Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections”_, the former governor said it was an honour to address the gathering of Bishops and laity.
He reflected on the responsibility of lay Catholics to bring Gospel values into the public square, stressing that political engagement is not separate from faith but a vital expression of service.
“Our faith should strengthen our commitment to justice, integrity, accountability and the dignity of every person,” Fayemi said.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Dr. Fayemi urged citizens to participate with discernment, resist vote buying and electoral malpractice, and critically examine the programmes and character of candidates seeking public office.
He also charged Catholics and all Nigerians to defend democratic institutions and hold elected leaders accountable to the people.
A major highlight of the lecture was the call for political formation, particularly for young people.
Fayemi stressed that active participation must be guided by knowledge of the Constitution, electoral laws, public policy and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Describing politics as a “noble vocation of service,” he said Nigeria’s democracy would only be strengthened when people of conscience and competence are willing to enter public life.
“Our democracy will be strengthened when people of conscience and competence are prepared to enter the public square, serve with integrity and place the common good at the heart of political life,” he concluded.
The CBCN September Plenary brought together Catholic Bishops from across the country to deliberate on faith, governance and national issues.
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