The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has launched an initiative aimed at curbing electoral irregularities and strengthening democratic credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections in Taraba State.
The move was unveiled on Monday during the church’s 22nd Biennial General Assembly held in Jalingo, where clerics, political leaders and stakeholders converged to deliberate on the theme, “Church-State Partnership for Credible Elections in Taraba.”
Speaking at the event, the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Charles M. Hammawa, lamented what he described as a troubling pattern of flawed and contentious elections in Nigeria, noting that irregular electoral processes have continued to undermine governance and social stability.
He stressed that the proposed partnership between the church and the state was not about political endorsement but about safeguarding democratic integrity.
“While there is a clear constitutional separation between Church and State, both institutions can collaborate to promote peaceful coexistence and meaningful development. Elections, which produce governments, are too often questionable, contentious and flawed rather than free and fair in our experience,” Hammawa said.
According to him, the Church seeks to ensure that both the processes leading to elections and the post-election environment in Taraba are credible, fair and just.
He clarified that the Church would not engage in partisan politics or campaign for any political party or candidate but would focus on civic education and moral guidance.
“The Church is not involved in partisan politics. However, it has a critical mission to educate and mobilise its members on their political rights, duties and responsibilities. We must challenge institutions responsible for conducting elections to act without fear or favour,” Hammawa said.
Hammawa added that the church, by its universal mission, remains committed to justice, peace and the protection of fundamental human rights under any political system that guarantees freedom and dignity.
In a keynote presentation, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Jos, Rt. Rev. Prof. Cletus T. Gotan, called for intensified voter education and the outright rejection of vote-buying, describing the practice as “a betrayal of dignity and the future.”
“The Church must remain non-partisan but never morally silent. We do not endorse candidates, but we must boldly preach integrity, justice and accountability,” Gotan declared.
He urged collaboration between religious institutions, electoral bodies, security agencies and civil society groups to strengthen electoral transparency without compromising the church’s independence.
Gotan also warned against the weaponisation of ethnicity and religion during elections, particularly in a diverse state like Taraba, and called on youths to resist being used as instruments of violence.
“Our young people must not be tools of manipulation. They must become ambassadors of peaceful participation and ethical leadership,” Gotan said.
Dignitaries at the event included former Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame, traditional rulers, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and other stakeholders, who commended the Church for what they described as a timely intervention ahead of 2027.
Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gibon Kataps, lauded the Catholic Church’s vision, pledging the state government’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections.
He assured participants that the state would work with all relevant institutions to deliver credible democratic processes capable of reflecting the true mandate of the people.
With the 2027 elections gradually approaching, the Church’s intervention signals a growing push by faith-based institutions to reclaim the moral ground of Nigeria’s democratic journey in Taraba State.