Abuja: The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged Nigerian leaders to place the common good above personal and partisan interests. Kaigama made the call during his homily at the opening Mass of the first 2026 Plenary Assembly of the (CBCN) on Sunday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Archbishop Kaigama spoke on the theme, ‘The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,’ highlighting the issues of power without responsibility, transparency, and accountability. He criticized the desire for power among leaders who neglect their responsibilities and called for more integrity in the electoral process, noting past manipulations and injustices.
The Archbishop expressed concern about youth unemployment and the desperation among qualified graduates seeking employment. He advised the youth to direct their demands toward elected political leaders, emphasizing the Church’s limited role in providing jobs. Kaigama expressed hope that the 2027 general elections would be free from irregularities and advocated for modern electronic voting systems to ensure transparency.
Kaigama also highlighted the importance of Christian-Muslim unity, particularly during overlapping religious observances like Lent and Ramadan. He urged Nigerians to focus on development and poverty reduction rather than unhealthy rivalries. He quoted from the 2026 Lenten message of Pope Leo XIV, calling for restraint in public discourse, especially on social media and in political debates.
Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, described the plenary as a crucial moment for the Church to explore pathways for national progress. Sen. Osita Izunaso emphasized the need for responsibility from both leaders and citizens for good governance and encouraged the Church’s continued involvement in electoral matters.
Additionally, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuk, Director of Catholic Television, announced a 40-day Lenten pop-up channel on DSTV Channel 197, marking a move towards digital evangelization.