The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned politicians and their supporters against portraying political candidates as messianic figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the warning in a statement on Wednesday while reacting to recent political comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a point about Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
Okoh said political supporters were free to campaign for their preferred candidates, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, but warned against allowing political loyalty to assume a religious dimension.
According to him, no politician should be presented as a saviour or placed in a position that belongs to Christ.
“No politician is the Messiah. 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 stated.
The CAN president urged Nigerians to base their political choices on issues such as competence, character, policies and performance rather than religious comparisons or the use of Jesus Christ to advance partisan interests.
He stressed that Christians should exercise restraint when invoking the name of Jesus during political debates, noting that Christ should not become a campaign slogan or weapon against political opponents.
Okoh said Nigerians could disagree passionately over political issues but should avoid dragging sacred beliefs into partisan quarrels.
“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.
