The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ to promote partisan interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the warning in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, following recent political comments that referenced Jesus Christ in relation to Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
Although he acknowledged the passion surrounding political debates, Okoh stressed that the name of Jesus Christ should not be used as a tool in political rivalry.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan, or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” he said.
The CAN president specifically expressed concern over remarks attributed to Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, who recently claimed that Peter Obi would defeat even Jesus Christ if the former Anambra State governor and the biblical figure contested in a free and fair Nigerian election.
Okoh maintained that Nigerians have the right to support or criticise politicians, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, but warned against allowing political loyalty to become excessive.
He urged Nigerians to focus political arguments on issues such as competence, character, policies, performance and the future of the country rather than bringing Christ into partisan disagreements.
“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,” he stated.
The cleric also rejected the idea of presenting any politician or political party as a source of spiritual salvation, stressing that no electoral victory should come at the expense of reverence for Christ.
“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,” Okoh added.
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