2027 Bombshell: Abati Urges Catholic Bishops To Lobby For Pope’s Visit To Nigeria

Former presidential aide and television host, Reuben Abati, has called on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to appeal to the Pope to visit Nigeria and offer prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abati made the appeal on Thursday during a discussion on The Morning Show on Arise Television.

He noted that the Pope is scheduled to visit four African countries in April — Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea — marking his first papal trip to the continent.

Abati questioned whether Nigeria could seek inclusion in the Pope’s African itinerary, stressing that the nation requires spiritual support as it prepares for the next general elections.

He referenced recent comments by Catholic Bishops urging President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to address worsening insecurity and the continued violence in parts of the country.

According to Abati, the church should go a step further by formally requesting a visit from Pope Leo XIV.

He said:

“You earlier quoted the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria telling President Tinubu that he must address the security situation and the ongoing violence.

“That is why I want to urge the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria to take note that Pope Leo XIV will be visiting four African countries in April — his first papal visit to the continent.

“He is expected to visit Algeria, the birthplace of Saint Augustine of Hippo, as well as Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

“Nigeria needs prayers at this critical time, especially as we approach the 2027 general elections. Is there still an opportunity to lobby for the Pope to visit and pray for the country? There can never be too many prayers.”