By Gabriel Ameh
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan political arguments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning followed recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point concerning Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said political discourse could be passionate, but urged Christians and other Nigerians to exercise restraint when referring to Jesus Christ during political debates.
Okoh stressed that Jesus Christ should not be treated as a political candidate, campaign slogan or instrument for promoting one politician against another.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” he said.
The CAN president cautioned against political loyalty becoming so intense that supporters begin to describe politicians in ways that undermine the reverence due to Christ.
He noted that Nigerians have the right to support or criticise political candidates, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, but political differences should not diminish respect for Christian beliefs.
According to him, political debates should focus on issues such as competence, character, policies, performance and the future of Nigeria rather than dragging religion into partisan quarrels.
“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.
He further warned that no politician should be regarded as the Messiah and that no electoral victory was worth compromising the honour due to the name of Jesus Christ.
“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 CAN president added.
He concluded the statement with a prayer for Nigeria.
