The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and the Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Ndagoso, has criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, blaming years of “selfishness, greed, nepotism and sectionalism” for the country’s worsening insecurity and hardship.
In his 2026 Easter message titled: “The Dawn is Coming, Don’t Let Go Now, Hold on to Hope!”, the archbishop of Kaduna said Nigerians are groaning under the weight of insurgency, kidnappings and banditry, which he described as consequences of poor governance.
“Many Nigerians still bear crosses of grief and heartbreak caused by unabating insurgency, incessant kidnappings, and armed banditry,” Ndagoso said.
“These are unarguably the consequences of many years of bad leadership.”
The archbishop’s statement comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship across the country.
Drawing parallels with the Christian narrative of resurrection, Ndagoso said Nigeria’s current crisis mirrors the “darkness of Good Friday,” expressing hope that the country would eventually overcome its challenges.
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He, however, warned political leaders that divine justice would prevail, stressing that God’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Though merciful, He is also just; He will surely repay every man according to their deeds,” he said.
The CBCN president also turned his focus to the 2027 general elections, cautioning Nigerians against voter apathy and urging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.
Addressing widespread disillusionment among voters, he said: “It is not unexpected that many of you are disillusioned, feeling that your votes do not count. However, you cannot abandon your moral duty to promote the common good.”
He called on eligible Nigerians to obtain and verify their voter cards and to elect leaders with “competence and integrity.”
Archbishop Ndagoso also issued a direct charge to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral umpire to restore public confidence by ensuring credible elections.
“No willing voter should be disenfranchised due to distance or administrative challenges,” he said, adding that the church was ready to collaborate with INEC to ensure transparency and justice.
While acknowledging the suffering of citizens, including victims of violence, unemployment and displacement, the cleric maintained that hope remained central to the Christian message.
“The dawn is coming. Don’t let go now, hold on to hope,” he said, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges would not endure forever.
He offered prayers for national healing and peace, expressing optimism that the country would experience “a season of peace and plenty.”
