Charismatic Bishops’ President Defends Endorsement of Tinubu for 2027

The President-General of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, has defended the group’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

Kawas said his decision was based on his assessment of Tinubu’s administration and rejected allegations that the bishops endorsed the President because of financial benefits or political appointments.

The Archbishop spoke in a television interview days after the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference announced its support for Tinubu’s re-election during its 2026 synod in Abuja.

The endorsement has attracted criticism, particularly from supporters of Peter Obi, whom Kawas backed during the 2023 presidential election.

Responding to the criticism, Kawas said he had previously supported Obi without receiving financial assistance from the former Anambra State governor.

He explained that he travelled with Obi during his campaign and mobilised other clergymen to support him, while personally paying their transportation and other expenses.

Kawas said nobody questioned his credentials or accused him of being a fake bishop when he supported Obi, arguing that the criticism emerged only after he decided to support Tinubu.

He said his current position followed what he described as prayer and divine guidance, insisting that his endorsement should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of financial inducement.

The CBCN had earlier justified its endorsement by pointing to what it described as Tinubu’s record of balancing Nigeria’s religious and regional interests.

Kawas argued that despite Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, the administration had not demonstrated religious nepotism in its appointments.

He also pointed to the President’s support for Christian governors and his public association with Christian interests, including his wife’s faith.

The endorsement has nevertheless generated debate among Christian leaders, with some questioning whether religious organisations should openly endorse political candidates ahead of the 2027 election.

Kawas maintained that the conference had the right to assess political leadership and make its position known based on its understanding of the national interest.

The controversy comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with religious, political and civil society groups increasingly taking positions on the candidates and issues expected to shape the contest.