Charismatic Bishops Endorse Tinubu for 2027 Re-election

The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The President-General of the CBCN, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, made the declaration on Wednesday at the 2026 National Charismatic Bishops Synod and Awards of Excellence in Leadership held in Abuja.

Kawas said the group’s position was influenced by what he described as Tinubu’s efforts to promote inclusivity, balance and diversity through appointments into key positions in his administration.

He recalled that sections of the Christian community had expressed concerns in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election over Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate.

According to him, the situation changed following the appointment of Christians to strategic positions in government, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

Kawas also cited the appointment of a Christian as Minister of Defence, describing it as significant given the sensitivity of the portfolio.

He further described the emergence of a Christian preacher as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a historic development.

“Based on these realities, we are standing with him. We are supporting now. We are supporting tomorrow, and we are supporting for as long as he is willing to be our President,” Kawas said.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu, who was represented by Akume, urged religious leaders to strengthen their contributions to peace-building and national security as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

The President said religious leaders had an important role to play in preventing and managing conflicts because of their influence within communities.

He called on the bishops to promote peaceful participation in elections and speak against hate speech, political violence, anti-democratic practices and the weaponisation of ethnicity and religion.

Tinubu also urged religious leaders to encourage issue-based political campaigns and caution politicians against placing personal ambitions above national peace and unity.
“Elections will come and go, but Nigeria must remain,” the President said.

He further called for stronger collaboration among government, religious institutions and communities in areas including youth empowerment, education, civic responsibility, peace-building and humanitarian services.

Also speaking, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, appealed to Nigerians to promote peace and unity.

She urged citizens to reject violence and allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidates during elections.
The First Lady also expressed support for government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which she said was helping families meet their children's educational needs.