The 2027 Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has praised the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for speaking out on the country’s pressing socio‑economic challenges, describing their intervention as an act of courage and patriotism.
Kwankwaso Praises Catholic Bishops
In a personally signed statement issued on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said the bishops’ concerns about the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence, and the hardship confronting millions of Nigerians are neither partisan nor isolated; they mirror the daily experiences of ordinary citizens across every region of the nation.
Context of Tension with the Tinubu Administration
His remarks follow a recent exchange between the administration of President Bola Tinubu and several Catholic bishops, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, over the current state of affairs in the country.
Kwankwaso’s Call for Constructive Engagement
He lamented that, despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, many citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to keep engaging the federal government and other leaders constructively, advocating for good governance, accountability, and policies that prioritize the security, welfare, and prosperity of the people.
Vision for a United and Prosperous Nigeria
He stressed that collective commitment and responsible leadership are essential to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria, concluding with a prayer: “May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
