The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians and their supporters against dragging the name of Jesus Christ into partisan political battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh gave the warning in a statement issued on Wednesday, while reacting to recent comments by Precious Oruche popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point about Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
Okoh said while political discourse could be passionate and such remarks might be intended to make a point, Christians must exercise restraint in the manner they invoke the name of Jesus Christ in political debates.
He said, “Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another.”
According to him, the name of Jesus Christ is sacred and should not be dragged into partisan contests in ways that elevate human beings, regardless of their popularity or public appeal, to a place that belongs to God alone.
The CAN president stressed that Christians were free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate, just as they were free to criticise them.
However, he cautioned that political loyalty must not become so intense that supporters begin to speak of politicians in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ.
“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.”
Okoh further warned against portraying politicians as saviours or attaching spiritual significance to electoral victories.
“No politician is the Messiah. No political party represents the salvation of the human spirit that Christ epitomizes. And no electoral victory is worth compromising the honour due to His name.”
As Nigeria approaches another crucial electoral season, the CAN president urged politicians, their supporters and Nigerians generally to conduct political conversations with responsibility, restraint and respect for what they hold sacred.
“I urge politicians, their supporters and all Nigerians to conduct our political conversations with responsibility, restraint and respect for what we hold sacred,” he added.
