The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, and other political actors against bringing Jesus Christ into partisan political battles ahead of the 2027 elections.
The association said no politician should be presented as a religious saviour, stressing that “no politician is the Messiah.”
The warning followed recent comments by Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point about Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential contest.
In a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the incident highlighted the need for Christians to distinguish between political support for a candidate and reverence for Christ.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN stressed that Nigerians were free to support, oppose or criticise any political candidate, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu, without compromising their Christian values.
“We are free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate. We are equally free to criticise them,” Archbishop Okoh said.
The association urged Nigerians to focus political debates on issues that would determine the country’s future rather than turning electoral 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,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN also cautioned against giving political parties or electoral victories spiritual significance, maintaining that no political contest should be portrayed as an alternative to the salvation associated with Christ.
“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,” Archbishop Okoh said.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the CAN president urged politicians, their supporters and Nigerians to exercise restraint and responsibility in their political conversations.
“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,” Archbishop Okoh said.
Source: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
