The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze has called on the Christian leaders to stay away from partisan politics.

He made the call in his Christmas message to all Nigerians. While sending his Christmas greetings to all Christians and Nigerians in general, Archbishop Akubeze noted that no religious body should set out to promote a political agenda warning that the pulpit should not be used to endorse or reject a politician.

“The church must remain non-partisan. We must not be involved in partisan politics. It does not help the church nor does it help the society when men of God begin to endorse or reject political candidates. We in the Catholic Church, denounce anyone who uses the Church or sanctuary to make political prophecy or to endorse candidates for political offices,” he stated.

He also admonished politicians not to seek prophetic prediction of their political futures from priests and other pastors but rather aim to win the hearts of Nigerians through meaningful and substantial campaign rooted in realistic promises that will better the lives of Nigerians. He was similarly keen to remind politicians that their obligation was towards the electorates – the Nigerian people.

He however encouraged the people to go out and vote for credible leaders who will promote religious freedom in every part of the country come 2019 noting that it is the right of the people to determine who rules them.

While admitting to several challenges presently facing the country, he called on Nigerians to still celebrate the Christmas season regardless. He added that God has been kind to us as a people, noting that the situation could have been worse if not for God’s mercy.

The Archbishop expressed hope for a better 2019 for Nigeria. He said, “As this year comes to an end, we look forward to next year with hope. We look forward to a peaceful election. We look forward to an election where every vote will count. We look forward to an election where Nigerians will come out and vote based on their conviction and not based on sentiments or acceptance of propaganda. We look forward with hope to next year, a year when Nigerians will judge the quality of the candidates for political offices by their track records and not vote based on declaration of prophecy by men of God.

“In conclusion, I call on all Nigerians to learn to share peace and love that Christ brought us with his birth. The birth of Christ offers us the opportunity to share together our common humanity. We in Nigeria must embrace the peace proclaimed buy Christ. Let us share love and eschew bitterness. May God bless Nigeria and prosper our land. Amen.

Merry Christmas to all Nigerians.”