CAN to politicians: Keep Jesus out of 2027 campaigns, He’s not political candidate

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan political debates ahead of the 2027 general election.

CAN stressed that Jesus Christ should not be used to promote or attack any political figure.

The association made this known via a statement issued by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, September 2, 2026.

CAN reacted to recent comments by social media personality Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, who referenced Jesus Christ while making political remarks about Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.

Okoh said while political discussions often attract strong emotions and opinions, Christians must exercise restraint in the way they use the name of Jesus in public discourse.

“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 said.

The CAN president stressed that Nigerians were free to support any political leader or party, including Peter Obi, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Tinubu or any other candidate, but warned against allowing political loyalty to overshadow Christian values.

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“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,” Okoh stated.

Okoh urged Nigerians to focus political debates on issues such as competence, character, policies, performance, and the country’s future rather than introducing religious sentiments that could undermine the sanctity of the Christian faith.

He maintained that no politician should be regarded as a messiah or portrayed as the ultimate hope for the nation.

“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 said.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the CAN president called on politicians, their supporters, and all Nigerians to conduct political engagements with responsibility, restraint and respect for religious beliefs.

He also urged citizens to ensure that political competition does not erode the values of civility and reverence for what is considered sacred.