The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has urged political opponents to keep the Pope and the Catholic Church out of partisan campaigns. He recently had his say via a press statement signed by the Spokesman of his Campaign Media Office, POMR, Idris Zekeri, and Nigerians have been reacting.
Condemning the circulation of an AI-generated image showing him and an Enugu State governorship candidate seeking Pope Leo XIV’s blessing for electoral victory, Obi described the picture as misleading and unwarranted.
He added that political actors must refrain from involving religious leaders and institutions in partisan disputes.
It read, “The Peter Obi Media Office has become aware of a deceptive AI-generated image depicting the NDC Presidential Candidate, revered Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Enugu State NDC gubernatorial candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Oha, standing before the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and seeking his blessing for electoral victory.
The Media Office strongly condemns this conduct and calls on political opponents to stop involving the Holy Father, the Pope, and the Catholic Church in partisan campaigns. Such an act is misleading and entirely unwarranted.
The Church is a sacred institution that must be respected rather than exploited for political gain. Peter Obi’s campaign is centred on issues. It seeks to rescue Nigeria from poverty, insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship; expand opportunities for our youths; and build a nation in which every Nigerian can live with dignity and hope.
He also welcomes vigorous political debate and challenges his opponents to address Nigerians on these urgent matters. Let us debate our records, policies, competence, character, and vision for the country.
The 2027 election must focus on Nigeria’s future, not fabricated religious controversies,.
The Pope and the Catholic Church should be permitted to carry out their spiritual responsibilities without being drawn into partisan disputes.
Let us keep the Church separate from politics and focus the campaign on the genuine issues facing Nigerians. A New Nigeria Is Possible.”
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