Kawas Defends Tinubu Endorsement Amid Criticism

Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, the President-General of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has defended his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 re-election bid. In an interview with ARISE News, he clarified that his earlier support for Peter Obi was not financially motivated, despite facing criticism and being labeled a “fake bishop” by some of Obi's supporters.

Kawas stated that he actively supported Obi during the initial stages of his campaign without receiving any financial compensation, personally covering the transport costs for six clergymen who accompanied him. He emphasized that his decision to endorse Tinubu was influenced by the President's appointments of Christians to key positions and his support for Christian governors, despite the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election.

The CBCN announced its support for Tinubu on September 9, 2026, during a synod in Abuja. Kawas, who has been a bishop for 25 years and an archbishop for 14 years, noted that he has previously supported various political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan.