2027: ‘No politician is the Messiah’ — CAN warns politicians

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, and other political actors against dragging Jesus Christ into partisan battles ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring that ‘no politician is the Messiah.’

The warning followed recent comments by Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point about Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential contest.

In a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the incident was a reminder that political passion, particularly among Christians, should not blur the line between support for a candidate and reverence for Christ.

“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” Archbishop Okoh said.

The association stressed that Nigerians remained free to support, oppose or criticise any candidate, naming Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu among those who could be subjected to political debate without compromising Christian values.

“We are free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate. We are equally free to criticise them,” Archbishop Okoh said.

Rather than allowing political contests to become battles over personalities, CAN urged Nigerians to concentrate on the issues that will determine the country’s future.

“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,” Archbishop Okoh said.

CAN also warned against attaching spiritual significance to political parties or electoral victories, saying no political contest should be presented as a substitute for the salvation associated with 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,” Archbishop Okoh said.

With the 2027 political season gathering momentum, the CAN president urged politicians, their supporters and Nigerians generally to temper their political exchanges with responsibility and respect for what they consider sacred.

“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,” Archbishop Okoh said.