The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned political actors against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan battles ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rebuke followed comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, who referenced Christ to make a point about Peter Obi’s presidential prospects.
In a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the incident was a reminder that political passion should not blur the line between reverence for Christ and support for candidates.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” Okoh said.
He stressed that while Nigerians are free to support or criticise candidates such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, or Bola Tinubu, Christian values must not be compromised in the process.
Focus On Issues, Not Personalities
CAN urged Nigerians to concentrate on issues that will determine the country’s future rather than turning political contests into battles over personalities.
“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,” Okoh said.
The association warned against attaching spiritual significance to political parties or electoral victories, saying no political contest should be presented as a substitute for salvation.
“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,” Okoh added.
Respect For Sacred Values
Archbishop Okoh emphasised that political exchanges must be tempered with responsibility and respect for what Nigerians consider sacred.
He said the association’s intervention was aimed at reminding Christians that their faith should remain distinct from partisan politics.
“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,” he said.
With the 2027 political season gathering momentum, CAN’s warning reflects growing concern about the intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria.
The association said political leaders must avoid portraying themselves as messianic figures or using religious imagery to gain support.
By urging Nigerians to focus on competence, policies, and governance, CAN hopes to steer political discourse toward issues that directly affect citizens, such as poverty, insecurity, and economic stability.
However, Mama Pee herself has released a fresh video disclaiming that she ever “blasphamed against Jesus” and suggesting the viral video CAN boss was referencing was “edited video“.
Precious Oruche has been a social media political activist, who have supported revolutionary efforts and have often advocated that Peter Obi represents the best chance of “a new Nigeria”.
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