The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged politicians and their supporters to stop using the name of Jesus Christ in partisan political arguments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the warning in a statement on Wednesday following recent comments by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, who invoked the name of Jesus while speaking about Labour Party presidential hopeful Peter Obi and the 2027 election.

Okoh cautioned Nigerians against turning Jesus Christ into a political campaign tool, stressing that political debates could be vigorous but should not involve the use of sacred references for partisan purposes.

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

The CAN president acknowledged that Nigerians have the constitutional right to support Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Tinubu or any other political candidate of their choice.

However, he warned against elevating politicians to a status reserved for God, particularly through what he described as “messianic politics.”

Okoh said the tendency to portray politicians in terms that blur the distinction between political leadership and spiritual salvation should be avoided.

“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 leader urged Nigerians to focus political debates on issues that directly affect the country’s development and the wellbeing of its citizens.

“Let us argue about competence, character, policies, performance and the future of Nigeria,” he said.

“Let us disagree passionately if necessary, but let us leave Jesus Christ out of our partisan quarrels,” Okoh added.

He called on politicians, supporters and other participants in the 2027 electoral discourse to maintain respect for religious sensitivities while engaging in healthy political debate.