The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made during the 2026 synod of the CBCN held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The synod was attended by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Representatives of the CBCN from the six geopolitical zones asked the organisation’s President-General, Leonard Kawas, to announce the conference’s position.
Kawas said the CBCN has members in 52 countries, with 950 “canonical” bishops in Nigeria.
He recalled that the group was among those concerned about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket during the 2023 election.
According to him, Tinubu’s appointments of Christians to key positions in his administration changed the group’s perception of his government.
“Suddenly, the man, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, began to roll out his appointments. Before we could say Jack Robinson, a Christian, who is loved by all of us, by Senator George Akume, was appointed the secretary to the government of the federation,” Kawas said.
“Our minds and BPs started coming down. Mr President, if you are watching us, for we, Christians, that was the turning point of your government.
“When we were still celebrating it, before we knew it, you appointed an FCT minister. For the first time in many years, a Christian brother, Barrister Nyesom Wike, was appointed.
“Mr President, when we have sat back and examined the way you balanced the religious imbalance that has existed for long. President Bola Tinubu came and balanced our diversity so very well. There is no iota of nepotism.”
Kawas also said Tinubu facilitated the appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda, a Christian, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman and supported Christian candidates seeking governorship positions.
He said the bishops were prepared to continue supporting Tinubu through prayers and advocacy.
“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.
“We stand with the president today, and as long as he is willing to be our president and even come in 2027, we will still be standing with him.
“So, it is safe to say that this house has endorsed him for the 2027 presidency. Let him go ahead.”
Boluwatife Enome
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