The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria has urged Catholic faithful to obtain their PVCs, participate actively in the 2027 general elections and protect their votes to promote credible and peaceful polls.
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has urged Catholic faithful across the country to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the 2027 general elections to promote credible, peaceful and inclusive polls.
The National President of the council, Sir Ambrose Obioha, made the call on Friday, November 6, 2026, 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 was held under the theme, “2027 General Elections: Nigeria at the Crossroads – Hope for the Future.”
Obioha said the theme was designed to mobilise Catholic faithful and other members of the laity to take an active role in the electoral process and contribute to good governance.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their PVCs, vote at their respective polling units and take steps to protect their votes.
“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,” he said.
On speculations surrounding a possible postponement of the 2027 general elections, Obioha said the council would support any decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that would improve inclusiveness and ensure adequate electoral preparations.
He maintained that elections could be postponed if the necessary conditions for a credible exercise were not in place.
“If the conditions for the elections are not adequate, it should be postponed. If it is postponed, it is all for good and we will support it,” he said.
The CLCN president also called for consideration of concerns raised by citizens, particularly traders and residents from the South-East who travel during the Yuletide season, to prevent possible voter disenfranchisement.
He clarified that the council’s advocacy for political participation was not an attempt to introduce religion into politics but a call for responsible citizenship and accountable leadership.
Obioha added that the Church would support political candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
On the awards presented during the convention, he said the honours recognised Catholic lay faithful who had made significant contributions to the Church and society.
Among the recipients were Professor Obiora Okonkwo, founder and Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, who built the chapel at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria; Catholic music composer Jude Nnam; United Bank for Africa Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba; and Zenith Bank Group Managing Director, Dame Adaora Umeoji.
Obioha explained that the awardees were nominated by their respective dioceses and subjected to verification by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria before receiving approval from their bishops.
He emphasised that the council’s awards were not commercialised and were based on verified contributions.
In his keynote address, Okonkwo described knowledge sharing as an important aspect of corporate social responsibility, noting that the global economy was increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation.
Receiving the CLCN Platinum Award, he expressed appreciation for the recognition, saying he believed the selection process was thorough.
He said the honour for building the chapel at the Catholic Secretariat would encourage him to make further contributions to the Church and humanity.
Also speaking, the Ter of Makurdi, Chief Aule Vincent, commended the council for recognising his contributions.
The traditional ruler and former politician urged political actors to shun violence and respect the choices of voters, stressing that politics should not be regarded as a dirty game.
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