The President-General of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, has defended the group’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.
Kawas also dismissed claims that his decision to back Tinubu was motivated by money or political access, stressing that he previously supported Peter Obi without receiving financial benefits from the former Anambra State governor.
The archbishop said his support for Obi began at the early stage of his presidential ambition, adding that he travelled with him across the country and mobilised other clergymen to attend his campaign events.
“I supported Peter Obi at the initial stage of his presidential ambition and went with him everywhere in Nigeria, and he never gave me $1 or ₦1,” he said.
He said he personally paid the transportation expenses of six clergymen who accompanied him to support Obi at campaign events, adding that Obi never questioned how he funded his transportation or accommodation.
Kawas said his support for Obi did not attract accusations that he was a fake bishop, unlike the criticism he has received following the CBCN’s endorsement of Tinubu.
The endorsement, announced on September 9, has triggered criticism from some Obi supporters, with some questioning Kawas’ credentials and accusing him of changing his political position in exchange for money or access.
Rejecting the allegations, Kawas said his involvement in Nigerian politics and support for presidential candidates had spanned several years.
“First and foremost, for those who say we are fake bishops, I didn’t just become a bishop today. I’ve been a bishop for 25 years. I’ve been an archbishop for 14 years,” he said.
He said he had previously supported politicians including Atiku Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Taraba State Governor Jolly Nyame and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Kawas also recalled serving on Jonathan’s presidential campaign council, describing himself as “the only bishop in Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign council”.
Explaining the CBCN’s decision to support Tinubu, Kawas cited the President’s appointments of Christians to key positions, his support for Christian governors and what he described as efforts to balance religious interests despite the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 election.
He said his decision was based on his assessment of Tinubu’s administration and not financial considerations, while maintaining that his previous support for Obi was equally not motivated by money.
