The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has strongly objected to the placement of Auxiliary Bishop Ernest Obodo and other Christian clerics on the All Progressives Congress (APC) faith-based campaign roster for the state. Church authorities condemned the development as unauthorized and misleading, insisting that the institution remains non-partisan.
In an official statement released on Friday, the diocesan secretary, Wilfred Agubuchi, clarified that Bishop Obodo was listed as a director of the campaign council without his prior consent or knowledge. The church noted that presenting senior clergy members as active participants in political groupings damages their ecclesiastical standing and projects a false political bias.
"We reiterate that the Catholic Church does not engage in partisan politics, participate in political campaigns or endorse political parties," Mr Agubuchi stated, adding that the diocese demands the immediate withdrawal of the bishop's name and those of other affected priests from all related publications.
What was the reaction of the Christian Association of Nigeria?
Before the Catholic diocese's statement, the Enugu State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also expressed outrage over the inclusion of its leadership in the political structure. Bishop Obodo serves as the chairman of the state chapter of CAN.
In a separate statement issued on Thursday, the state CAN secretary, Innocent Offor, maintained that the religious body never approved or endorsed the inclusion of its officials in the campaign group. He warned that unauthorized listings of religious leaders risk creating unnecessary divisions within the Christian community and compromising the neutrality expected of spiritual figures.
Both religious organizations have urged the public and members of the Christian community to disregard any suggestions that the inclusion implies official endorsement of the political party or its candidates.