Catholic Church in Enugu Rejects Inclusion of Clerics in APC Campaign Team

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has said no to including Auxiliary Bishop Ernest Obodo in the Enugu State All Progressives Congress (APC) Faith-Based Campaign Group.

Reports say the APC added Mr Obodo and several other Christian clerics to its governorship campaign team.

On Friday, the diocese's Secretary, Wilfred Agubuchi, called the inclusion of the clerics wrong, misleading and unacceptable.

Father Agubuchi said Mr Obodo was named as director of the Faith-Based campaign group without his knowledge or consent.

He pointed out that adding the bishop’s name without permission gives a false impression of his political stance and could damage his integrity and “ecclesiastical reputation.”

“We want to make it clear that the Catholic Church does not take part in party politics, campaign for politicians or support political parties.

“The church stays neutral and focused on its spiritual mission and promoting peace, justice and the common good,” he said.

Father Agubuchi emphasized that while individuals can engage in party politics, the church should not be linked to it.

“Though individual Christians can use their civic rights, nobody should misuse the name, title, or identity of the church or its ministers for political gain,” he said.

Call for Removal

Father Agubuchi stated that the diocese has asked for the removal of the bishop’s name and other clerics from the campaign group.

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

“Also, any continued or future unauthorized use of the Bishop’s name, title, image or ecclesiastical position for political reasons will lead to legal action.”

CAN Responds

At the same time, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Enugu State Chapter has also opposed adding Mr Obodo to the campaign group.

The bishop chairs the Enugu State chapter of CAN.

On Thursday, CAN’s Secretary in Enugu State, Innocent Offor, said the bishop’s name and those of other members were added to the campaign group without approval.

“CAN Enugu did not approve, endorse, or consent to including its leadership in the campaign group.

“Therefore, the publication must not be seen as the association’s political support, endorsement of any party, or involvement in partisan activities,” Mr Offor, who is also a cleric, said.

The secretary pointed out that it is wrong for the APC to claim Christian leaders are part of a political campaign without their knowledge and consent.

“Linking them to a specific political party could cause unnecessary division within the church and harm the unity and neutrality expected from religious leaders.

“CAN Enugu therefore distances itself from this publication and urges the public, especially Christians, to ignore any suggestion that the inclusion of these names shows CAN Enugu or the affected Church leaders support the APC campaign group,” he said.

“We call on the publishers and relevant authorities to recognize this clarification and take steps to correct the misunderstandings from the unauthorized publication.