The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned President Bola Tinubu that Nigeria is gradually drifting towards a one-party state, cautioning that the country’s democratic institutions, public confidence and national unity are coming under increasing strain.

The warning was delivered on Tuesday by the newly elected President of the CBCN, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, during a meeting between a delegation of Catholic bishops and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the bishops, Ndagoso said growing concerns over the shrinking political space and the weakening of opposition parties had fuelled fears that Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy was being eroded.

He reminded the President of his role in the pro-democracy struggle against military rule in the 1990s, which forced him into exile, saying many Nigerians now believe the democratic ideals he once championed are under threat.

“Many voices are screaming over what they consider to be the constriction of the political space,” Ndagoso said, adding that many citizens believe the country is being steered towards a one-party state.

He stressed that only the President’s actions, rather than assurances, would convince Nigerians that those fears were unfounded.

The bishops urged Tinubu to rein in officials of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors, lawmakers and local government chairmen, insisting that the party must demonstrate respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.

They argued that the President’s lasting legacy should be the strengthening of democratic institutions rather than the weakening of political opposition, warning that the perceived narrowing of political competition could further erode confidence in future elections.

The clerics also expressed concern over declining voter turnout, attributing it to growing public disillusionment with the electoral process and the belief among many Nigerians that their votes no longer count.

To rebuild confidence, they called for adequate funding and greater institutional independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the 2027 general elections must be free, fair, transparent and credible.

According to the bishops, any election lacking integrity would deepen public cynicism and pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Beyond politics, the delegation painted a bleak picture of the country’s security and economic conditions, lamenting persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and other armed groups on schools, churches, farming communities and major highways.

They also expressed concern over rising living costs, worsening economic hardship and the prolonged crisis in the electricity sector, which they said was approaching collapse.

Ndagoso further highlighted concerns over religious freedom, particularly the security challenges facing Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria.

He argued that the country’s political, economic and security problems were closely linked, warning that a shrinking democratic space makes it increasingly difficult for citizens and institutions to hold government accountable.

The bishops urged the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive measures to restore public confidence, strengthen democratic institutions and address the country’s mounting security and economic challenges before they further threaten national unity and stability.