LEAVE POPE, CHURCHES OUT OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGN, OBI TELLS OPPONENTS
Read Time:2 Minute, 35 Second
BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR
Presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, who is running for the 2027 elections, has asked political rivals to avoid bringing the Pope, Pope Leo XIV, and the Catholic Church into their campaign activities.
The former Anambra State governor condemned in very strong terms the circulation of an artificial intelligence-generated image allegedly showing him and an Enugu State governorship candidate seeking Pope Leo XIV’s blessing for electoral victory, describing the image as misleading and unwarranted.
In a statement signed on Thursday by the Spokesman of his Campaign Media Office, POMR, Idris Zekeri, Obi said the office had become aware of an image that showed Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who is described in the statement as the NDC presidential candidate, and Sir Chinyeaka Oha, the party’s Enugu State governorship candidate, standing before the Catholic Pope.
The statement criticized the use of artificial intelligence to create this image and asked political figures to avoid involving religious leaders and institutions in political fights.
Obi said his campaign is focused on solving Nigeria’s main problems, such as poverty, insecurity, corruption, and economic difficulties.
He also talked about the importance of giving young people more chances and building a country where citizens can live with dignity and hope.
He told political opponents to focus their campaigns on policies, their records, and their ability to lead, rather than on religious issues.
He was disappointed about the incident and said the 2027 general election should be about Nigeria’s future and the problems that people are facing.
He also called for the Pope and the Catholic Church to do their spiritual work without getting involved in political matters.
The statement said, “The Peter Obi Media Office has become aware of a deceptive AI-generated image showing 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 asking for his blessing for electoral victory.
“The Media Office strongly condemns this act and urges political opponents to stop involving the Holy Father, the Pope, and the Catholic Church in political campaigns.
This is misleading and completely unacceptable.”
“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.
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,” Obi said, expressing his disappointment over the incident.
“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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