The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians and their supporters against using the name of Christ in a derogatory manner in the name of campaign for their preferred candidates.
CAN gave the warning in a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh while reacting to a recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, in which she referenced Jesus Christ while making a political point about Peter Obi and the 2027 elections.
Mama Pee had in the viral video claimed that if Jesus was to contest with the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party, Mr Peter Obi, the latter would win. She however pleaded for forgiveness in another video claiming her comment was taken out of context and that she never meant to denigrate the name of Christ.
The Christian Association of Nigeria in its reaction stated that, while it recognises that political discourse can be passionate and that such remarks may be intended to make a point, it is appropriate “to remind all of us, especially Christians, to exercise restraint in the way we invoke the name of Jesus Christ in political debates.”
According to CAN. “Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan or a weapon to advance one politician against another. His name is sacred and should not be dragged into partisan contests in ways that elevate human beings, however popular or admired, to a place that belongs to God alone.”
The association stated that Nigerians should be free to support Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu or any other candidate. “We are equally free to criticise them. But our political loyalty must never become so intense that we begin to speak of politicians in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ.” CAN stressed
It urged Nigerians to argue about competence, character, policies, performance and the future of the country.. “Let us disagree passionately if necessary, but let us leave Jesus Christ out of our partisan quarrels.
“No politician is the Messiah. No political party represents the salvation of the human spirit that Christ epitomizes. And no electoral victory is worth compromising the honour due to His name.”
CAN pleased with politicians, their supporters and all Nigerians to conduct our political conversations with responsibility, restraint and respect for what we hold sacred.