No Politician Is the Messiah, CAN President Warns

The Christian Association of Nigeria has warned politicians and their supporters against dragging Jesus Christ into partisan politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, gave the warning while reacting to recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee. Oruche had referenced Jesus Christ while making a political argument involving Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential race.

In a statement on the matter, Okoh said the incident showed the need for Christians to separate political loyalty from their reverence for Christ. He said Nigerians have the right to support or criticise any candidate without turning political contests into religious battles.

Okoh mentioned Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu among politicians Nigerians can freely support or oppose during the election season. “Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” Okoh said.

The CAN president urged Nigerians to focus political debates on issues that directly affect the country. He called for greater attention to the competence and character of candidates, as well as their policies, record and plans for Nigeria. “Let us argue about competence, character, policies, performance and the future of Nigeria,” he said.

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Okoh also cautioned against presenting political parties or electoral victories as having spiritual significance. He said no political party could take the place of the salvation Christians associate with Jesus 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,” he said.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gaining momentum, Okoh urged politicians, supporters and other Nigerians to exercise restraint in their public conversations. He called for responsible political engagement and respect for matters regarded as sacred by Nigerians.

“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.

source: Vanguard News

Content Credit: Azeez Amosun

Image Credit: Google