2027: “Don’t Drag Jesus Into Politics” — CAN Warns Politicians, Supporters

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in political arguments or using it to gain electoral advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to reports, CAN President Daniel Okoh issued the warning in a statement, stressing that political loyalty should not become so intense that individuals elevate politicians to a position reserved for God.

The association’s reaction followed recent comments attributed to Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, who reportedly referenced Jesus Christ while making a political argument involving Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.

CAN acknowledged that political discussions could become passionate, but urged Christians and people of other faiths to exercise restraint and respect when bringing religious figures or beliefs into political debates.

The association maintained that no politician should be treated as a messiah, stressing that no political party represents the salvation that Christians associate with Jesus Christ.

“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,” CAN said.

The Christian body further stated that Nigerians have the right to support or criticise any political candidate, but political allegiance should never diminish the reverence accorded to Jesus Christ.

It urged political actors and their supporters to focus their campaigns and debates on issues such as competence, character, policies, performance and the future of the country.

“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,” the association said.

CAN stressed that no electoral victory was worth compromising the honour and reverence due to Jesus Christ, urging politicians, supporters and Nigerians generally to conduct political conversations responsibly as the country approaches another major electoral season.

“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,” the association added.