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CAN Warns Mama Pee, Politicians Against Dragging Jesus Christ Into 2027 Political Battles
CAN Warns Mama Pee, Politicians Against Dragging Jesus Christ Into 2027 Political Battles
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, and other political actors against invoking the name of Jesus Christ in partisan political arguments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association declared that no politician should be presented as a messianic figure, stressing that political loyalty must not be allowed to cross the line into reverence that belongs to Jesus Christ.
The warning followed recent comments by Mama Pee in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point concerning former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi.
Reacting to the development, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the incident highlighted the need for Christians and other Nigerians participating in political discourse to distinguish between political support and matters of faith.
According to him, political enthusiasm, regardless of the candidate being supported, should not lead to the use of Christianity or the person of Jesus Christ as a tool for advancing partisan interests.
“Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN emphasised that Nigerians have the democratic right to support, oppose or criticise any political candidate based on their convictions, policies and assessment of the person’s capacity to lead.
The association specifically noted that supporters and critics of Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu and other political figures should be able to engage in political debate without turning their disagreements into religious confrontations.
“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.
The CAN president further urged Nigerians to shift the focus of political conversations away from personality worship and toward issues capable of determining the nation’s direction.
He called for greater attention to leadership competence, character, public policies, governance records, performance and the future of Nigeria as the 2027 elections draw closer.
“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.
The Christian body also cautioned against portraying political parties, candidates or electoral victories as possessing spiritual powers or significance capable of replacing the central place of Christ in Christian faith.
According to CAN, political victories are temporary, while matters concerning faith and salvation should not be reduced to the outcome of elections or the fortunes of any political movement.
“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.
The warning comes as political activities and alignments gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians, supporters and various interest groups increasingly engaging in debates over potential presidential candidates and the direction of the country.
Against this backdrop, CAN urged political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements, particularly when making references to religious beliefs or sacred figures.
“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.
The association’s position underscores its call for a political environment where Nigerians can passionately defend their preferred candidates and challenge opposing views while maintaining respect for religious convictions and avoiding the politicisation of Jesus Christ.
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