By Anan Geolengs
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on politicians and their supporters to stop invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said it was reacting to recent comments by reality TV star Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, who referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point about Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
“While I recognise that political discourse can be passionate and that such remarks may be intended to make a point, I believe this is an appropriate moment to remind all of us, especially Christians, to exercise restraint in the way we invoke the name of Jesus Christ in political debates,” Okoh said.
The CAN President stressed that the name of Christ is sacred and should not be used to promote any politician or political party.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another. His name is sacred and should not be dragged into partisan contests in ways that elevate human beings, however popular or admired, to a place that belongs to God alone,” he stated.
Archbishop Okoh noted that Nigerians are free to support any candidate of their choice, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or others, and also free to criticise them.
“But our political loyalty must never become so intense that we begin to speak of politicians in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ,” he added.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
