2027 Elections: CAN Tells Politicians Not to Drag Jesus Into Politics

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged politicians and their supporters to refrain from incorporating references to Jesus Christ into political discussions prior to the 2027 general elections. Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the head of CAN, issued this caution in response to recent remarks made by Mama Pee, a prominent figure known as Precious Oruche, who included Jesus Christ in her commentary on the Labour Party's Peter Obi and the forthcoming election.

Okoh emphasized that while political discourse can be vigorous, it should not involve mixing the sacred with the partisan. He stressed that Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan, or a means to pit one politician against another. CAN President Okoh cautioned against "messianic politics" and the practice of describing politicians in ways that blur the distinction between political leadership and spiritual salvation.

He made it clear that no politician is the Messiah, no political party embodies the salvation of the human spirit that Christ represents, and no electoral triumph is worth compromising the respect due to His name. In order to clarify the issues surrounding the debate, Okoh called on Nigerians to concentrate on factors pertinent to an election, such as competence, character, policies, performance, and the future of Nigeria.

He encouraged political actors and citizens to engage responsibly and with respect for shared sacred values as the campaigns for the 2027 election begin to intensify.