The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has urged Catholic faithful to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the 2027 general elections.

The CLCN National President, Ambrose Obioha, made the call on Friday in Abuja, during the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the council and the 9th Biennial Convention of the Catholic Social Forum of Nigeria (CSFN).

The event’s theme was, “2027 General Elections: Nigeria at the Crossroads – Hope for the Future.”

According to Mr Obioha, the theme was designed to mobilise the laity for active participation in the electoral process to ensure credible, peaceful and inclusive polls.

He stated, “What we expect after the conference is for Catholics to go and get their PVCs, go to their respective polling units, vote, protect their votes and ensure that their votes count.”

Addressing speculations on a possible postponement of the elections, he noted that the council would support any decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) aimed at enhancing inclusiveness.

“If the conditions for the elections are not adequate, they should be postponed. If they are postponed, it is for the best, and we will support it,” he said.

He said complaints from citizens, particularly traders and residents in the South-East, who travel during the Yuletide, should be addressed to prevent disenfranchisement.

Mr Obioha clarified that the call for political engagement was not an attempt to bring religion into politics, but a reminder of civic responsibility and the pursuit of good governance.

He added that the Church would support candidates committed to the welfare of the masses.

Commenting on the awards presented at the event, the president said the honours were conferred on outstanding lay faithful who contributed significantly to the Church and society.

He listed the awardees to include Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, who built the chapel at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and Catholic music composer, Jude Nnam.

Others are the Group Managing Director (GMD), UBA, Oliver Alawuba; and GMD of Zenith Bank, Dame Adaora Umeoji, among others.

Mr Obioha explained that the recipients were nominated by various dioceses and vetted by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria before their respective bishops approved them.

“Our awards are not for sale. Every awardee was duly verified and approved by the bishop,” he emphasised.

In his keynote address, Mr Okonkwo, executive chairman and founder of United Nigeria Airlines, described knowledge sharing as a vital form of corporate social responsibility, noting that the global economy is knowledge-driven.

Nr Okonkwo, who received the CLCN Platinum Award, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that he was convinced the award followed a rigorous selection process.

He said he felt honored to be recognised for building the chapel at the Catholic Secretariat, adding that the award would motivate him to do more for the Church and humanity.

In his remarks, the Ter (chief) Makurdi, Aule Vincent, commended the council for finding him worthy of the recognition.

The traditional ruler and former politician urged politicians to eschew violence and respect the choice of the electorate, stressing that politics should not be viewed as a dirty game. 

(NAN)