The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province say for the desired change in the country, Nigerians must vote for leaders who will be true patriots and servants of the people.

The bishops also advised the electorate to ensure that whoever would lead the country must be responsive to the security and welfare needs of all Nigerians without discrimination.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the advice was contained in a communiqué made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti by Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye after the Bishop’s conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The conference, which had as its theme “Nigeria: Now is the time of Grace,” was attended by the bishops from the Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin and Ondo. Other bishops in attendance at the meeting were those from Ekiti, Oyo and Osogbo dioceses.

“We, bishops, fully identify with the suffering and pains of all Nigerians over these years, while enduring numerous threats to the security of life and property, crippling economic downturn and bad political leadership. We, therefore, urge all eligible Nigerians to secure their Permanent Voters Cards and vote in the elections according to their conscience, without fear, to secure their future and that of their children,” the communiqué, signed by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, read.

"We don’t want a situation that is happening in some parts of the state in terms of violence to resurface in Kano. That is the essence of signing the peace accord.”

In his remarks, a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Rev. Samuel Adeyemo, who highlighted the importance of peace, pointed out that elections cannot hold where there is no peace, adding that peace is the ultimate to ensure a peaceful conduct of the elections.