…say ‘he balanced Nigeria’s diversity’
Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.
The bishops endorsed Tinubu during the 2026 synod of the CBCN, which took place in Abuja, the nation’s capital, on Wednesday.
The synod was attended by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation.
Representatives of the CBCN from the six geopolitical zones asked Leonard Kawas, president-general of the group, to speak on the conference’s decision.
Kawas said CBCN has members in 52 countries, with 950 “canonical” bishops in Nigeria alone.
He noted that CBCN was among the groups that were worried about the Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets in the 2023 election.
Kawas said Tinubu surprised the group with his appointments of Christians into key positions in his administration.
He added that the president has been able to “balance” Nigeria’s diversity.
“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 said Tinubu facilitated the appointment of a Christian, Nentawe Yilwatda, as APC national chairman and also supported Christian candidates to become governors.
He added, “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.
“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.”
