Catholic diocese, CAN reject inclusion of clerics in APC campaign list

A Catholic Church used to illustrate story

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has rejected the inclusion of the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Ernest Obodo, in the Enugu State All Progressives Congress (APC) Faith-Based Campaign Group.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the APC in the state had included Mr Obodo and many other Christian clerics in the party’s governorship campaign group.

But in a statement on Friday, the Secretary of the diocese, Wilfred Agubuchi, described the inclusion of the clerics as unauthorised, misleading and unacceptable.

Mr Agubuchi, also a Catholic priest, said Mr Obodo was listed as the director of the Faith-Based campaign council without his knowledge or consent.

The secretary argued that the unauthorised inclusion of the bishop’s name created a false impression of his political disposition and constituted a serious misrepresentation capable of undermining his integrity and “ecclesiastical reputation.”

“We reiterate that the Catholic Church does not engage in partisan politics, participate in political campaigns or endorse political parties.

“The church remains politically neutral and steadfastly committed to her spiritual mission and the promotion of peace, justice and the common good,” he said.

Mr Agubuchi stressed that while individuals have the right to engage in partisan politics, the church must not be associated with such activity.

“While individual Christians are free to exercise their civic and democratic rights, no individual or group should exploit the name, office or identity of the church or its ministers for partisan political interests,” he said.

Mr Agubuchi said the diocese has demanded the withdrawal of the bishop’s name and other clerics from the campaign council.

“We therefore demand the immediate removal of Bishop Ernest Obodo’s name, as well as the names of all other Catholic priests included without their knowledge and consent, from the said campaign list and any related publications,” he stated.

“Furthermore, any continued or subsequent unauthorised use of the Bishop’s name, title, image or ecclesiastical office for partisan political purposes will attract appropriate legal action.”

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Enugu State Chapter has earlier opposed the inclusion of Mr Obodo in the campaign council.

The bishop is the chairman of the Enugu State chapter of CAN.

In a statement on Thursday, the Secretary of CAN in Enugu State, Innocent Offor, also stated that the bishop’s name and those of other members of the association were added to the campaign council without approval.

“CAN Enugu did not authorise, endorse, or consent to the inclusion of its leadership in the campaign council.

“Consequently, the publication must not be construed as an indication of the association’s political affiliation, endorsement of any political party, or participation in partisan political activities,” Mr Offor, also a cleric, said.

The secretary stressed that it was improper for the APC to present Christian leaders as members of a partisan political campaign structure without their prior knowledge, and consent.

“Any attempt to associate them with a particular political party risks creating unnecessary division within the church and undermining the unity and impartiality expected of religious leadership.

“CAN Enugu therefore dissociates itself from the said publication and urges the public, particularly members of the Christian community, to disregard any suggestion that the inclusion of these names represents the endorsement or participation of CAN Enugu or the affected Church leaders in the APC campaign council,” he said.

“We call on the publishers and relevant authorities to acknowledge this clarification and take the necessary steps to correct the impression created by the unauthorised publication.”