Archbishop Kawas Defends Tinubu Endorsement, Denies Financial Ties to Obi

Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, who leads the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, has rejected claims that he abandoned his political positions in exchange for financial gain. During an appearance on Arise Television, he stressed that his 2023 work on behalf of Peter Obi's presidential campaign brought him no monetary benefit from the former Anambra governor.

Kawas emphasized that he bore the costs of transportation and mobilisation himself throughout Obi's bid, undertaking this responsibility voluntarily and without any expectation of payment. His remarks come in response to mounting backlash triggered by the Charismatic Bishops' recent decision to throw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027.

Many Nigerians have cast doubt on his integrity given this shift in allegiance, with critics derisively calling him a 'fake bishop' for what they see as a sudden reversal. Kawas contends that his endorsement of Tinubu stems from spiritual principles and religious conviction, rather than from any material consideration, thereby drawing a distinction between his current political stance and his earlier activities in the political arena.

The Charismatic Bishops Conference has offered several justifications for backing Tinubu. Archbishop Chivir Chianson, serving as the organisation's secretary-general, disclosed that the bishops obtained a prophetic revelation indicating Tinubu's triumph in the 2027 race and enhanced performance should he secure a second term.

Beyond this spiritual rationale, the conference has pointed to the president's advocacy for Christian leadership as well as his commitment to governance that embraces diverse viewpoints. Kawas additionally argued in favour of the bishops' longstanding tradition of involvement in matters political.

He pointed out that since 2010, the conference has consistently offered prayers for and backing to those in power—including during the tenures of figures such as Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. Kawas suggested that no one questioned the bishops' standing when they lent their support to these earlier administrations, thereby highlighting what he views as the unfair nature of contemporary objections to his voice in political discourse.