The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a blunt warning to politicians and their supporters: keep Jesus Christ out of partisan political battles.
The Christian body said political arguments can be heated, but invoking Christ to promote or defend political candidates risks crossing a line that should not be crossed.
CAN’s warning followed recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee and a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in which she invoked Jesus while making a political argument involving Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential election.
CAN Draws a Line
In a statement, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said politicians and their supporters have the freedom to support or criticise any candidate.
But, he argued, that freedom should not extend to using Jesus Christ as a political slogan, campaign instrument or partisan weapon.
Okoh said the name of Christ is sacred and should not be used in ways that elevate politicians to a status reserved for God.
His message was especially directed at the intensity of political loyalty that can develop during election campaigns.
Support a candidate. Defend a policy. Criticise a politician. But, CAN says, do not turn political allegiance into religious exaltation.
‘No Politician Is the Messiah’
CAN urged Nigerians to keep political arguments focused on issues that voters can assess.
Among the issues Okoh identified are:
- Competence
- Character
- Public policies
- Political performance
- Nigeria’s future
He said political disagreements could remain vigorous—even passionate—without dragging Christ into partisan disputes.
Okoh also stressed that no candidate or political party should be portrayed as possessing the kind of spiritual or redemptive authority associated with Christ.
2027 Campaigns Raise the Stakes
The warning comes as political activity begins intensifying ahead of the 2027 general election.
With politicians and supporters expected to mobilise around competing candidates and political platforms, religious language is likely to remain part of Nigeria’s political conversation.
CAN’s intervention is therefore also a call for restraint.
The association said political loyalty should never become so intense that it diminishes reverence for religious beliefs or turns sacred figures into tools of political competition.
Focus on the Issues
CAN ultimately wants the 2027 political conversation to return to matters voters can debate and judge.
Who can govern effectively? Who has the right policies? Who has demonstrated competence and character? What vision do they have for Nigeria?
Those, according to CAN’s position, are the questions that should dominate the election campaign.
As the political contest gathers momentum, the Christian body is urging politicians, supporters and citizens to argue forcefully when necessary—but to do so with responsibility, restraint and respect for what they consider sacred.