2027 elections: No politician is a Messiah, CAN warns supporters

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Thursday 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 while reacting to recent comments by an actress, Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she invoked Jesus Christ while making a political point concerning former Anambra state governor and presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.

Okoh, in a statement, said although political discourse could be passionate, Christians and other Nigerians must exercise restraint in the manner in which they invoke the name of Jesus in political debates.

He said Jesus was neither a political candidate nor a campaign slogan or weapon for advancing one politician against another.

He added that the name of Jesus is sacred and should not be dragged into partisan contests in ways that elevate politicians to a status reserved for God.

The CAN president said Nigerians remained free to support any political candidate, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, as well as criticise them where necessary.

He however cautioned that political loyalty should not become so intense that supporters begin to describe 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 out of our partisan quarrels,” Okoh said.

He stated that no politician was the Messiah and that no political party represented the salvation of the human spirit associated with 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,” he warned.