The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned priests and other church leaders against endorsing any candidate ahead of the 2019 general election in the country.
They are also barred from allowing candidates or their supporters use church building or church properties for any political event.
The CBCN in a statement jointly signed by its President, Most Rev Augustine Akubeze and Secretary, Most Rev Camillus Umoh vowed to sanction any priest or church leader that violates the directive.
The statement read in part, “We, the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), as teachers of the faith and morals, do have the serious obligation to educate our faithful on their role in the political life of the country.
“We have observed that the political atmosphere is very tensed and also noticed the political realignment that is taking place.
“Some politicians are changing political parties and urging their supporters to switch over their support to their new parties as well. Given this development, we wish to use this opportunity to make it clear that the Catholic Church remains ever apolitical and does not endorse or subscribe to any political party.”
Recall that Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka was in the news throughout the 2015 presidential election period for endorsing then-candidate Muhammadu Buhari who went on to defeat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.