Former Kano State Governor and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has openly aligned himself with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), declaring that the bishops merely voiced the painful realities confronting millions of Nigerians under the current socio-economic and security climate.
In a statement published on his verified X handle, Kwankwaso praised the Catholic bishops for what he described as an uncommon display of courage, patriotism and moral responsibility, insisting that their assessment of the nation’s deteriorating condition reflects the everyday experiences of ordinary Nigerians rather than political bias.
According to him, the bishops’ concerns over soaring inflation, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence in government and the deepening hardship across the country cannot be dismissed as partisan criticism because they accurately mirror the suffering of citizens in every part of Nigeria.
“I commend the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for demonstrating courage and patriotism by drawing attention to the realities confronting our nation,” Kwankwaso said.
“Their concerns regarding the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence and the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians are neither partisan nor isolated; they reflect the daily experiences of ordinary citizens across every region of our country.”
The former presidential candidate lamented that despite Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources, millions of citizens remain trapped in poverty, unemployment and insecurity while access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities continues to decline.
He warned that the country’s vast potential is being undermined by persistent governance challenges that have left many Nigerians struggling to survive amid rising prices, shrinking incomes and growing uncertainty.
Kwankwaso urged political leaders across all levels of government to abandon political rhetoric and embrace sincere, people-oriented policies capable of reversing the country’s worsening fortunes.
He further called on Nigerians not to remain silent but to continue demanding accountability, responsible leadership and policies that place the welfare, security and prosperity of citizens above political interests.
“It is through such collective commitment and responsible leadership that we can build a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.
Kwankwaso’s intervention follows the strongly worded communiqué issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the conclusion of its recent plenary session, where the clerics expressed grave concern over the country’s worsening economic and security situation.
The bishops warned that spiralling inflation, rising food prices, persistent insecurity, widespread youth unemployment and declining confidence in public institutions are pushing millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty and despair. They called on the Federal Government to urgently implement policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare, strengthen national security and rebuild public trust.
The CBCN’s position has since ignited nationwide debate, drawing reactions from opposition politicians, civil society organisations and governance advocates who argue that urgent reforms are required to halt Nigeria’s economic decline and restore confidence in public leadership.
Kwankwaso’s endorsement now adds significant political weight to the growing chorus of influential voices demanding decisive action to address the country’s deepening economic crisis, insecurity and governance challenges.