The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the president has earned the group’s support based on its assessment of his administration.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday by the President-General of the conference, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, during the organisation’s 2026 Synod.
Kawas said the decision followed what he described as an assessment of the Tinubu administration, particularly its approach to political appointments, religious inclusion and programmes aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.
The cleric argued that President Tinubu had not demonstrated nepotism in his appointments despite the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket on which he contested the 2023 election.
More Read
According to him, the president’s appointments at the national level and his support for the emergence of Christian governors were among the factors considered by the bishops.
“He did not only appoint at the national level; he also supported the emergence of Christian governors to be the majority in Nigeria. He has stood with Christianity alongside his wife,” Kawas said.
The CBCN leader also praised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the party had taken what he described as a significant step by appointing a born-again Christian and preacher of the gospel as its national leader.
More Read
He said the development demonstrated what he regarded as a level of religious inclusion within the governing party.
Kawas assured President Tinubu that the bishops would continue to support his administration through prayers and advocacy, particularly on policies and programmes they believe could contribute to the development and liberation of Nigeria.
“We are here today to reassure him of our solid support; we are standing with him in prayers and advocacy for the good programmes he has brought forth for the liberation of Nigeria,” he said.
The archbishop further declared that the group’s support would extend into the 2027 election if Tinubu decides to seek another term.
“We stand with the president today, and as long as he’s willing to be our president and even come in 2027, we will still be standing with him,” Kawas said.
“On this, this house has endorsed him for the 2027 presidency.”
More Read
The CBCN President-General also revealed that President Tinubu had responded to the conference’s call for Nigeria to engage United States President Donald Trump over the country’s worsening insecurity.
The development comes as political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually intensify, with various groups and political stakeholders beginning to declare their preferred candidates and positions.
Beyond its endorsement of the president, the bishops’ conference urged the Federal Government to give religious leaders greater consideration in political appointments.
Kawas called for both Christian and Muslim religious leaders to be included in the political appointment process, arguing that their experience and influence should not be overlooked in matters of national governance.
The cleric maintained that greater engagement with religious leaders could help strengthen communication between government and faith communities across the country.
The 2026 synod attracted several prominent government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The CBCN’s endorsement adds another layer to the emerging political conversation ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as President Tinubu’s supporters and political allies seek to consolidate support for a second-term bid.
