Leave Jesus Out Of Your Partisan Differences, CAN Advises Politicians, Supporters

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned politicians and their supporters yp stop dragging the name of Jesus Christ into partisan political battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, gave the piece of advice in a statement he issued in a reaction to recent comments by one Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, where she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point on former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and the presidential candidae of the NDC in the 2027 elections.

Okoh said although political discourse could be passionate and such comments might be intended to make a point, Christians in particular must exercise restraint in the manner in which they invoke the name of Jesus Christ during political debates.

According to him, Jesus Christ is neither a political candidate nor a campaign slogan or weapon for advancing 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 said.

The CAN president stressed that Christians were free to support any candidate, including Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, as well as criticise them where necessary.

He, however, cautioned against allowing political loyalty to become so intense that politicians were spoken of in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ.

Okoh also urged Nigerians to focus their political arguments on issues such as competence, character, policies, performance and the future of the country rather than involving religious figures in partisan disputes.

“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 said.

The CAN president further declared that no politician was the Messiah and that no political party could claim to represent the salvation of the human spirit associated with Christ.

He added that no electoral victory was worth compromising the honour due to the name of Jesus Christ.

“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,” Okoh said.

He called for moderation and responsible political engagement as activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify, while praying for the peace and progress of Nigeria.