By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Christian Association of Nigeria has cautioned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan political arguments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association said it had taken note of recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referred to Jesus Christ while making a political argument concerning Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the organisation understood that political discussions could generate strong emotions. However, he urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to exercise caution when referring to Jesus Christ during political debates.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” the apex Christian association said.
“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.
The association stressed that Christians have the right to support or oppose any political candidate. It, however, warned against allowing political loyalty to undermine the reverence accorded to Christ.
“We are free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate. We are equally 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.
CAN urged Nigerians to focus political arguments on issues such as the competence and character of candidates, their policies, performance and plans for the country.
“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.
The association also warned against presenting politicians as saviours or equating political victories with spiritual salvation.
“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.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Archbishop Okoh called on political actors, their supporters and Nigerians at large to maintain responsibility and restraint in political discussions.
“As we approach another crucial electoral season, I urge politicians, their supporters and all Nigerians to conduct our political conversations with responsibility, restraint and respect for what we hold sacred.”
