Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on his political opponents to refrain from dragging the Pope and the Catholic Church into electoral campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. This plea comes in response to the circulation of a misleading artificial intelligence-generated image that purportedly shows Obi and an Enugu State governorship candidate seeking the blessing of Pope Leo XIV for their electoral ambitions.

In a statement released by his Campaign Media Office, Obi expressed his strong disapproval of the image, which falsely depicted him alongside Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Sir Chinyeaka Oha, the NDC's gubernatorial candidate for Enugu State. He condemned the use of such deceptive tactics, emphasizing that the Church should not be exploited for political gain.

Obi's statement highlighted the importance of keeping religious institutions separate from political disputes, urging that the focus of the upcoming elections should be on pressing national issues rather than fabricated controversies. He stated, "The Church is a sacred institution that must be respected rather than exploited for political gain."

The former governor of Anambra State reiterated that his campaign is centered on addressing critical challenges facing Nigeria, including poverty, insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship. He underscored the need to create opportunities for the youth and build a nation where citizens can live with dignity and hope.

Obi further challenged his opponents to engage in meaningful political discourse, urging them to concentrate on policy issues, their track records, and leadership capabilities instead of resorting to religious controversies. He expressed disappointment over the incident, insisting that the 2027 elections should prioritize Nigeria's future and the real issues affecting its citizens.

In his statement, Obi said, "Let us debate our records, policies, competence, character, and vision for the country. A New Nigeria Is Possible." He called for a vigorous political debate focused on genuine issues rather than distractions, reinforcing his commitment to a campaign that seeks to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of the elections, Obi's remarks serve as a reminder of the need for integrity and respect in political discourse, particularly regarding the involvement of religious figures and institutions in the electoral process.