Archbishop Leonard Bouwe Kawas, President General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has refuted accusations that he is a “fake bishop” due to his political preference and justified his choice to support President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview with Arise TV, Kawas recounted how he had previously backed Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential contest without asking for anything in return or receiving financial support from him.
The cleric clarified that he personally paid for the transportation of six clergymen who went to Obi’s campaign to offer prayers and show support for the former Labour Party candidate.
He insisted that no one doubted his credibility at the time, even though Obi didn’t give him any money or personal support.
“Peter Obi never gave me one dollar, one naira. Neither did he even ever ask me one day, ‘How did I come to the campaign?’
He would just see me at the campaign. We would pray for him. I would pay the transportation of six clergymen. We’ll come there and support him.
He never asked me how did I come , which hotel did I sleep. Yet I did it, and nobody called me fake. Is it now that because I have prayed and God has led me that it is Tinubu, that I suddenly now become fake?” he stated.
Following his endorsement of Tinubu, Kawas received criticism from several Nigerians, who questioned his choice and referred to him as a “fake bishop.”
The Archbishop, however, insisted that his support for Tinubu was not motivated by money but rather by what he felt God had commanded him to do.
Discussions concerning religious leaders’ involvement in Nigerian politics and their ability to openly support political candidates have been fuelled by his comments.