The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has commenced efforts aimed at addressing election irregularities and promoting credible democratic processes in Taraba State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move was announced on Monday during the Diocese’s 22nd Biennial General Assembly held in Jalingo, the state capital. The Church expressed concern that flawed electoral processes have continued to negatively impact society before, during, and after elections, calling for the adoption of credible, fair and just procedures in the interest of the masses.
Speaking at the event themed “Church–State Partnership for Credible Election in Taraba,” the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa, said the initiative seeks to foster collaboration between the Church and the State to ensure transparent democratic processes and good governance.
According to Bishop Hammawa, while there is a clear constitutional separation between Church and State, both institutions can work together to promote peaceful coexistence and meaningful societal development.
“While working with the clear understanding that there is separation of Church and State, the fact is also clear that both can work together to enhance, promote and ensure peaceful living and meaningful development of society,” he said.
He noted that elections in Nigeria are often “questionable, contentious and flawed,” stressing the need for credible processes in Taraba State.
“The idea for this partnership is for the Church and State to relate, work together and collaborate in ensuring credible democratic processes and governance. We want to ensure that the processes leading to elections and after in Taraba State are credible, fair and just. We are looking beyond just elections to the wider scope and context of partnership,” the Bishop explained.
Bishop Hammawa emphasized that the Church would not engage in partisan politics or endorse political parties or candidates. However, he said the Church has a critical responsibility to educate and mobilize its faithful on their political rights, duties and responsibilities.
“While the Church is not involved in partisan politics, it has the mission of educating and mobilizing her faithful and all people on their political rights, duties and responsibilities. The Social Teaching of the Church makes this a critical and indispensable priority,” he stated.
He further said the Church, by its universal nature, is not tied to any particular political, economic or social system, and can serve as a unifying force across communities and nations if granted the freedom to carry out its mission.
“When we talk about Church–State partnership, it is not about campaigning for political parties or endorsing individuals. It is primarily about education and enlightenment, and challenging government agencies saddled with conducting elections to do so fairly and justly, without fear or favour,” Hammawa added.
In a paper presentation, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Jos, Rt. Rev. Prof. Msgr. Cletus T. Gotan, called for intensified voter education at the grassroots and a total rejection of vote-buying, describing it as “a betrayal of dignity and the future.”
“The Church must remain non-partisan but never morally silent. The Church does not endorse candidates, but she must boldly preach integrity, justice and accountability,” Gotan said.
He also advocated principled collaboration between the Church and state institutions, including electoral bodies, security agencies and civil society groups, to support peaceful and credible electoral processes without compromising the Church’s independence.
Gotan further urged the promotion of inter-religious harmony in Taraba, warning against attempts to weaponize ethnicity or religion during elections. He stressed the need to mentor youths to resist being used for violence or political manipulation.
Among dignitaries at the event was former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, traditional ruler HRH Augustine Vankani, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders, who commended the Church for the initiative.
They expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.
Governor Agbu Kefas, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gibon Kataps, also praised the Catholic Church’s vision to help redefine governance in Taraba.
He pledged the state government’s support in ensuring free, credible, fair and transparent elections that reflect the will of the people.