2027: Stop Weaponising the Name of Jesus for Political Gain, CAN Warns Politicians

As early alignments and political machinations for the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has delivered a firm, unmistakable warning to the nation's political class. The apex ecumenical body has urged politicians, party strategists, and their highly vocal supporters to completely desist from invoking the name of Jesus Christ or exploiting Christian doctrines to fight partisan battles, settle political scores, or authenticate their campaigns.

According to statements emerging from the leadership of the association, there is a rising and worrisome trend where political actors allegedly seek to validate their ambitions or demonise their opponents by dragging sacred religious figures into the muddy waters of Nigerian politics. CAN emphasized that the name of Jesus Christ represents salvation, peace, and spiritual redemption, and should never be reduced to a campaign slogan or a weapon of political mudslinging.

The warning comes at a critical juncture when socio-political commentators observe that politicians are already setting up early campaign structures across the country. In past electoral cycles, religion has often been weaponised as a potent tool to divide the electorate, a phenomenon that religious leaders argue has left deep, unhealed wounds in the nation's social fabric. CAN's timely intervention is viewed by political analysts as a strategic move to establish clear boundaries before the campaign season fully ignites.