Archbishop Leonard Bouwe Kawas, President General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has defended his decision to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, saying his previous support for Peter Obi in 2023 did not involve any financial benefit.
Kawas made the clarification while speaking in an interview with Arise TV amid criticism from some Nigerians who questioned his credibility and described him as a “fake bishop” over his decision to support Tinubu.
The clergyman said his endorsement of Tinubu was based on what he believes was God’s direction and not financial inducement.
He recalled that during the 2023 presidential election, he supported Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, and personally paid the transportation costs of six clergymen who accompanied him to Obi’s campaign activities.
Kawas said he received no money or personal assistance from Obi during that period, adding that he did not demand any financial support in return for his backing.
“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.
The Archbishop also cited his previous involvement in the political activities of former President Goodluck Jonathan as evidence that his participation in politics was not new.
Kawas said he supported Jonathan from his time as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and later served on his Presidential Campaign Council during Jonathan’s bid for the presidency.
“I was the only bishop in Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign council. And I took campaign everywhere. Nobody called me fake,” he added.
He questioned why his decision to support Tinubu after seeking what he described as divine direction should lead to questions about his identity or credibility as a bishop.