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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians and their supporters against dragging the name of Jesus Christ into partisan political battles in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
CAN declared that “no politician is the Messiah.”
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said in a statement on Wednesday that political passion, particularly among Christians, should not blur the line between support for a candidate and reverence for Christ.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” Archbishop Okoh said.
“No politician is the Messiah. No political party represents the salvation of the human spirit that Christ epitomises. And no electoral victory is worth compromising the honour due to His name,” he added.
The warning followed recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point about Peter Obi.
CAN noted that Nigerians remained free to support, oppose or criticise any candidate, naming Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu among those who could be subjected to political debate without compromising Christian values.
“We are free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate. We are equally free to criticise them,” Archbishop Okoh said.
Rather than allowing political contests to become battles over personalities, CAN urged Nigerians to concentrate on the issues that will determine the country’s future.
“Let us argue about competence, character, policies, performance and the future of Nigeria. Let us disagree passionately if necessary, but let us leave Jesus Christ out of our partisan quarrels,” Archbishop Okoh said.
